A+ Certification for Dummies

Ron Gilster teaches the subject--which encompasses good troubleshooting and repair practices as well as specific hardware facts--in a clear style that's easy to follow as you work on an actual machine (and, by the way, work on actual machines is essential to passing the tests). The book foregoes photographs (which almost never turn out well, and rarely look like your equipment anyway) in favor of clear line drawings. There are some step-by-step procedures to follow, but Gilster mostly recognizes that PC hardware varies a lot and leaves most specifics up to readers. One bit of advice: in the field, supplement this book with Scott Mueller's definitive hardware encyclopedia, Upgrading and Repairing PCs. --David Wall

Topics covered: Intel-compatible personal computers, their essential subsystems (motherboard, RAM, processor, BIOS, video, disk storage, and others), and how to assemble, troubleshoot, and repair them. Operating system coverage focuses on Windows 95, 98, Me, and 2000.

Product Description
The A+ examinations measure the ability and knowledge that's expected of computer technicians who've had six months of on-the-job training. A+ certification is a lifetime certification, and certified technicians are always in demand, so this test is critical if you're hoping for a bountiful future as a technical pro. A+ Certification For Dummies, 2nd Edition covers all the crucial information you need to know for the A+ exams, from hardware to operating systems, delivered in clear, jargon-free language and in a fun, entertaining style. The new edition has been completely updated and revised to include CompTIA's new test objectives and adaptive testing mode.

Plus, A+ Certification For Dummies, 2nd Edition includes a CD-ROM loaded with hundreds of practice questions and a customizable test engine.

Covers: Exam 220-221 and 220-222.

The final chapter in the book categorically lists other web sites that contain simulators or other test prep information (one of them, ..., will send you a test question each day). The software that comes with the book contains an excellent test simulator.

In preparation for my A+ exams I also read the 2001 edition of Ron Meyers' "All In One A+ Certification Guide." With so much material floating around I did not want to rely on just one source to prepare for the exams; I wanted to pass these tests the first time around. Mr. Meyers' book is comprehensive but weighs in at about twice the size of the "Dummies" book (and you need to load a patch to get the software to run properly). My point is that I write this review with the benefit of having read two separate -- and excellent -- guides on the new A+ examinations. If, like me, you have a lot of experience with PC's then the "A+ For Dummies" book might be the only guide you'll need to pass the exams...


This book delivers!   September 16, 2000
Melvin Williams (Mesquite, Tx USA)
21 out of 21 found this review helpful

Yet another testament to this book. I used it as my one and only source for the A+ test and passed it on my first try. A friend of mine spent some serious money at the same time to attend a specialized A+ school and took the test with me. We spent equal time studying for the test. I passed both portions and he bombed the hardware portion of it. We both invested about one month of study, he using his class materials and me using this book. The book is not perfect and has a handful of typos, especially in the practice tests. However, if you study it carefully you should have no problem finding these errors and correcting them. The author is right on target when he states that he streamlined the material to prepare the reader for the actual test. The included CDROM also has some great practice test material worth every penny of the cover price alone. The book is well written and flows easily from one topic to another. The wording is simple and direct and stays within the realm of the average layperson's grasp. By carefully studying this book one should have no problem passing the A+ tests. A minor update correcting typos would help, but the book still delivers as it is. I highly recommend this to anyone serious about trying to gain their A+ certification.


Ha! And to think I was told I couldn't get certified!   July 19, 2001
O. Torres (New York, NY)
19 out of 19 found this review helpful

This really is THE book for dummies. I went from knowing zip about computers to building my own PC. I couldn't take the technical jargon of other books. I sure had fun through this one!

All Dummies books follow the same format and you can start anywhere in the book (In English that means that the author doesn't assume you've read a previous chapter).

The jokes, humor and cartoons do a good job at keeping you awake. After reading, I played the Quiklern game on the CD after going through the lessons and, Voila! I felt ready and went and took both tests on the same day. Now I have my A+ Certification from CompTIA.

You DO have to study and give the test the seriousness it deserves. Whipping out over a couple of hundred dollars for a test is no laughing matter.

Study the exam objectives, learn the content of the questions and not the answers and you should do well on the test.


Great easy to read book, CD could use a little TLC though   March 28, 2000
Wayne (Monroe, LA)
15 out of 15 found this review helpful

Here is the low-down on the book. First of all, the book is very very well done as far as being consise,easy to read and on the point of what you 'need' to learn for the test. It's organized into many chapters, i believe this is very effective. Read it, you'll see why I say that. Secondly, the book will actually tell you that "you need to know" this and that for the Exam. It has special icons even pointing these items out. If your looking for a deeply detailed book telling you every aspect of a computer since day one, dont by this, this is purely a A+ prep book, and somewhat a Tech's reference book, but I wouldnt use this as the only reference book if i were a Tech. And the Windows/DOS part of the book is not a lot, but some of it is mentioned within the CORE section of the book. Things do overlap in this book some. Anyways, buy this book guys, it's not boring at all to read, the author makes sure of that. Good luck on the A+ exam

pardue77@yahoo.com


A+ Certification for Dummies the book   January 21, 2000
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

The book delivers exactly what you need for passing the test. My friends and I used this book and passed with flying colors. Mr. Gilster made it a painless way to study for the exam. We found it witty and fun.