Network+

[jes]

I am A+ and am thinking of the Network+ now. I am wondering if anyone who has writen it has any tips of what areas to concentrate on and such.

How important is the N+? ComTia will have you believe that it is everything but my friend with a recent Computer Science university degree has never heard of the N+.

Do you think that I should take the exam before the 2005 revision or after? I think that the exam might be easier before the revision but more relevant after.

[PrntRhd]

I am studying for Network+ right now, because my employer says I have to get the certification by the end of the year. It is a relatively new certification.

I have been supplied with the Sybex book and labs and the Trancender practice tests.

I connect applications like printer/scanner/copier/fax to networks for a living, this N+ certification is geared to that type of task.

[jes]

I don't mean to pry, I am just wondering about the value of the N+, why does your employer want you to have this certification? I thought that the N+ was just a little bit of leverage to help you get employed, but you are allready employed.

[PrntRhd]

Lawsuit abatement, I suppose. The latest equipment is so highly integrated into the various networks that you have to know what you are doing; the Net+ cert helps assure the customer's IT that we do know enough to do our part of the job.
I run into infected networks all the time and it takes tact and knowledge to get done what needs doing without putting their network down.

[jes]

That sounds like interesting work. Any customer can hire you to do this, or do you do this for a specific company?

[PrntRhd]

I work for a independent equipment vendor, I cannot post the name of the vendor here or post proprietary stuff here per their policies, but the experiences I come up against can be shared if I am careful about non-disclosure.

[jes]

So you are hired to help the purchaser of the peripheral supplied by the vendor that you work for?

[PrntRhd]

yes, I am salaried by the vendor to support the purchased product, that is correct.

[jes]

Do you do on-site support or is it just by phone?

[PrntRhd]

It is onsite support or phone followup if needed.

[DaPunisher]

Network+ is a valuable certification! It teaches you the basics of how computer networking works. After being a PC tech, this is the next natural progression. The Network+ tests also prepares you for advanced certifications such as MCSA and CCNA. Weither you take the test now or later, it's still the same peice of paper at the end.

[jes]

Is the N+ harder than the A+ ?

I am reading the Sybex Network+ Study Guide by David Groth to get ready for the test and I have come up with a bunch of questions.
What is a MAC bridge?

[PrntRhd]

The Trancender practice tests are an eye-opener for Net+, I am running them in random test mode, and reviewing missed questions. First pass was ugly on all three standard tests.
I figure on doing at least 30 repetitions of passing, then get the voucher and do the real exam.
It does make you faster for certain, I am doing 90 minute timed tests in about half the allotted time.

[FastLearner]

Hi again PrntRhd. Would you say the Network+ cert is more difficult to a person without the A+ cert? Also, are you confident that the book/test combination you are using will get you through? To be honest, I was having thoughts, as well, about going for the Network+ cert, but I saw that even you were missing some questions (and your skill level is miles above mine) so I'm questioning my intentions again! Also, how much of a role does the OSI Model play in understanding topics related to the Net+ exam? Thanks for any advice. By the way, what is the full name of your Sybex book? It will make it easier for me to order. Thanks.

[PrntRhd]

Network+ Study Guide Deluxe Edition (Sybex)
Exam N10-002
By: David Groth
Todd Lammie
William Tedder
Also Trancender Network+ Cert 2.0 CD-ROM.

First I want to point out you would want to register with Trancender because they update the program with Service Packs and add downloads to update the practice tests. (about 8MB) There are items in their practice tests that are not in the Sybex book.

After doing the random Trancender Net+ tests (12 times) I am now passing all the practice tests, and I am getting higher scores each time, over 91% overall now. (You learn from your misses and reinforce your correct responses). The idea is to recognize and respond automatically, that saves time for the harder questions. I am doing the tests in 40 minutes each time now. I want to have the practice tests down cold as I heard (from a co-worker who just passed) it covers about 80% of the real Certification test and that will get me the Cert by nailing this portion, and the rest is up to me.

I am doing this without having done the A+, so I cannot say if it harder, I can tell you it is a challenge for my old brain.


:)

[ixl]

Check the Announcements forum.. I just put a complete, free Net+ guide online at CertiGuide.com ;) --c

[PrntRhd]

Thanks Charles,
Luckily my employer paid for the materials so it is not out of my own pocket. I think it is great having resources available to learn this stuff available on the websites. To have it available at nominal cost or free is even better. A Great idea!
:)

[FastLearner]

Thanks very much, Charles. This is exactly what I needed. :)

I also ordered the Sybex book that PrntRhd recommended. Hopefully, if I can master the material from both sources, I can pass the exam! Even if it takes me a year to learn it :D

BTW, quick question while I have you in the thread, ixl. I bought the cd rom version of the PC Guide a couple years back. I have seen that there have been many additions to the site since then, and was wondering if there's any way to update the cd. Or do we need to buy a new one? Thanks.

[ixl]

newbie: you can get a free download of the latest version. A CD is also available for a nominal cost ($9.99.) The CDs take time and money to make and ship which is why they aren't free.

I should warn you that not all that much has changed recently. I have not updated the CD-ROM since 2001. I am now starting work on a rewrite of The PC Guide but it will be a while til anything is ready. --c

[FastLearner]

Thanks IXL. I am pretty sure it was 2001 when I bought the last cd rom, so I'll hold off on buying another one for now since you say that was the last update. I appreciate all you're doing for us IT wannabees, and I respect the fact that your time is very limited with so many ongoing projects. I'll keep my eyes out for an update in the future, and I will continue to recommend this forum to all of my fellow students. Thanks again.
-Gary

[jes]

I think that I heard somewhere that the objectives are changing in April of 2005. Comptia already has a beta test out for the new test. Get certified at a reduced price but be a guinea pig.

[deddard]

CompTIA have announced the Beta for Network+ 2005, which will start running shortly. I received an email from them asking if I wanted to take part in the Beta Exam (I'm A+ certified) so I said yes - I'm just waiting to hear from them.

link is here:

http://www.comptia.org/certification/network/beta2004.aspx

[FastLearner]

so how long do I have to take the test before they change it again? I got burned once on the A+ exam--my own fault, though, I didn't even know a new version was supposed to come out. Anyway I'd like to take the Network + before they change it again...otherwise all of my study materials go out of date, etc...

[deddard]

If you want to take the 2001 syllabus test, I'd get it in before April 2005. I don't have these dates as being the actual cut off point, but it does state that anyone who takes the beta test will have their results in around 6 weeks. If this all goes to plan and their cut off point is met (December 31 2004) then they'll want a couple of months to iron out the creases and get it set for general release if the previous versions of A+ are anything to go by.
(I took my A+ just before the new syllabus came out, although we were part of the 'experiment' with the xp version)

I don't think the changes are going to be anything major - they're covering things like Wireless access points, encryption etc, plus some of the newer standards. the vast majority will stay the same - the underlying technology of networks isn't going to change overnight, so the exams aren't suddenly going to start being fiendish IPV6 standard head-exploders either :D

[Tcat]

CompTIA, like any animal learns from getting burnt.

They got burnt pretty badly by its members for changing tests in the middle of course delivery.

So while the beta may release as soon as 24 Nov.2004 and close when they get 3-5K testers (I guess about 30 days for that to happen)....

It will take Galton Technologies about 6 months to normalize the raw beta data... That would make the forced change right about June, when schools have completed delivery of N10-002.

Based on changes in A+ and Server+ tests, I agree that while the OSI model won't change, expect more security related questions along with more Wireless, Gigabit, lots more fiber optics. That of course is soley my hunch. And since I helped create the first Network+ tests and followed this baby closely.... well I guess I'm saying my hunch is backed by some long and close personal observation with Network+.

HTH
Tcat

[ixl]

Hey Tcat!

For those who don't recognize him, Tcat Houser (yes, his name is really "Tcat") is the primary author of the content that is now published on CertiGuide.com. He's VERY well-connected in the certification world so you can trust what he has to say. :) --c

[deddard]

It keeps getting better and better around here!
You going to hang around here at the forums TCat?
Input from people who can teach as well as do is extremely welcomed by us all :)

[FastLearner]

I knew I saw the name before (TCat)! Wow, I guess this is the place to be if you're out for the Network + cert. as well as others. and thanks Tcat. It's nice to know I have a little more time to study before they change the test again!

[ixl]

Tcat is a really busy fellow so I am not sure he will be able to hang around here much. I think he posted here because I had mentioned to him in an email recently that there was a certification-related forum here... --c

[Tcat]

Charles would be right that I tend to be a tad bit busier than a one-armed paperhanger in a wind storm ;-) And its like I told Charles, There is plenty of time to rest when you are dead.

Working with a couple other folks, we're wrapping up a Network+ PDF for the new beta test. I know the actual beta test willl not release before 24 Nov... It's $75 bucks if the first 1,000 folks taking the weak survey have already snapped up the allocation.

Actually we did finish it several days ago. And we're re-doing it (down grading from Adobe V6 to V5) because Adobe doesn't have a V6 reader for Linux, and with V5 you don't need Adobe reader in Linux anyway!

So I will make a deal with the forum members here (only). No charge for the PDF if you want it. It was going to be a complete freebie like our Security+ beta a couple years ago. Well, we changed our mind. The work has gotten rather polished, so some marketing types will be charging a few single digit bucks for it. (And we have learned that if someone pays *something* they actually go and use it more than if something was free).

Well I have to go put my head back down. I've got a A+/Network+ boot camp coming up in 2 weeks so I have to go start packing books and equipment so it is on-site.

Thank you for the warm welcome here!
Tcat

[FastLearner]

That is very kind of you, TCat. I would love to have the .pdf, whether I have to pay for it or not! Will there be a site we can visit for the download you've offered? And again, thanks for taking time out of your schedule to help out some beginners like me...:)
God bless and best of luck in boot camp.

[Jiggy]

Top man Tcat,

Thanks for your time, im doing A+ now and N+ is next, the .pdf will server me well "whether I have to pay for it or not".

Thanks Jiggy

[Tcat]

If I can twist the arm of Charles to privately host here, more better.

The "commerial" site for it is:

http://www.studyexam4less.com/n11-003.asp

Tomorrow (22 Nov. 2004) a new TOC and the "dumbed back" to V.5 PDF goes up. ProMepis Linux Beta on mirrors supporting PDF in Linux that is reasonably fast, supporting clicking URL's in the PDF and renders graphics (well enough) over Windows will be up before Thanksgiving. Web site listed above will say Adobe Reader V5 or greater or ProMepis Linux.
Http://snipurl.com/ProMepis


I'm making a "big hairy deal" about this with others because you need to have a fair understanding of Linux (at least according to the new objectives), much more so than N10-002.

Drifting slightly off-topic. Linux (typically) is a real witch. There are two major approaches. RPM and Debian. Debian looks superior over RPM and that always came with a price (pain of install/mangament) . Mepis is so brain dead easy (and a Debian distro) I have made it my default Linux and the only one I am suggesting for anybody smaller than the Foutune 500. The desktop version is out in a new book

http://snipurl.com/Simply_Mepis

Long list of exclusive features. I'll leave it at the factoid that my wife who is a MS .Net trainer looked at it and went, WOW.

Tcat

[ixl]

BTW if you are going to buy Tcat's PDFs for Net+ or Security+, please do it using the links at CertiGuide.com!

A+ will be coming soon... --c

[Jhorner1]

Hey Jes, PrntRnd and others.
I took my Net+ today. Passed with a 793. Was easier than I expected, only took about 1/2 hour start to finish. Just FYI, I used Michael Meyers All-in-One Second edition for my study guide.

[Tcat]

Amazing how easy a test is when one has done a solid job preparing! ;-)
Congrats!

[Jhorner1]

Thanks Tcat, and if a middle-aged mill worker like me who does this part time on the side can pass it, then the guys who are taking it in schools or who work full time in the industry should have no problem

[Tcat]

Heck... bean counters (CPA's) have been to my class and passed. So *anyone* can pass if they try! ;-)

[FastLearner]

Oh oh. I'm a little worried now. I just read somewhere that the Network + is administered by Prometric. Does this mean that I will not be able to use a VUE testing center (as with the A+ exam)? It took me a while just to find a near-by VUE center in Germany, but I don't think there's any Prometric testing centers around. Well, if worse comes to worse, I can always fly to the states to take the test, but that would be one expensive cert...:)

[Tcat]

Vue has it as well

[FastLearner]

That's good news. I think you saved me a little bit of money on that one, Tcat..:) Heck, I was already looking online to see when I could book a cheap flight over that way. There happens to be a VUE center just down the street from me...perfect.

[Tcat]

keep an eagle eye on http://www.getcertify4less.com for an early expire voucher in the international arena... They buy up vouchers that are about to expire and sell them *cheap*. Of course you will need Vue...

[PrntRhd]

Jhorner1,
Glad to hear you passed, I am scheduled to take the test Dec 1. (testing scheduled through PearsonVue)

Tcat,
Just wondering how you update your materials when they revise the test next year, does CompTIA tell you what they are looking for in the change or what?

[Tcat]

Well I have a couple tools.

1. The published objectives.

2. My own expererience writing CompTIA questions on Network+. When you teak the test on the first, some of that will be my handywork.

3. Experience of living. Its a no brainer that security and wireless are hotter topics than 3 years ago.

So for Mapping the Network+ 2005 Beta, PDF I took elements from my previous Network+ and Security+ books (both on Certiguide) as well as stuff from the new A+ 4 Real book.

For things that are brand new, (LC MT-RJ) I found the best web links I could and made them hot clicks. I'll figure how how far to take things and what specific direction after taking the beta.

We did this with Security+ (Decrypting the Security+ Beta) as a 200 page pdf. A bunch of re-writes and it became what you see on Certiguide.


:)

[deddard]

I just downloaded the beta guide - I'm setting up the exam for mid-december (to give me a couple of weeks prep time)
Had to jump through hoops to get it - I hadn't used my paypal account for so long that I'd forgot my password....and the email address I used for paypal is long since deleted....and my credit card for paypal is long since cut up.......
got there eventually though! :p

Now it's time to study :D

[Tcat]

Pay close attention to the areas that only have Web Links. These are new to the objectives. I didn't have time to research everything and put my own words to it. This does not apply to the 191 acroynm list at the end of the objectives, from CompTIA. If you don't know it, go there (of courese)... otherwise pay attention to the copy with no editorial in the main body, first.

[deddard]

looking good so far. some good snippets on IPV6 and other stuff in there, I'd expect IPV6 to start featuring in the exams now. Just got to try and configure acrobat to use mozilla instead of IE (if it's possible) for the links.

edit...........

sorted the browser - I was using acrobat 5, which has a bug relating to Netscape (and presumably therefore mozilla!)
an update to acrobat 6 and I now don't have to see the dreaded IE

[Tcat]

The PDF was setup for binary acceptance for V.5 but I don't suggest it. The latest rendering engine with good quality for Linux is V.5. My buddy is incorporated ProMepis beta to auto-magically handle hot links in a PDF (SimplyMepis gets it in the next round)...

For Windows users, I strongly suggest Adobe V6 reader along with Mozilla or Firefox.

It is *possible to associate* V5 reader as the rendering engine, and not the best use of your time as it relates to Network+.

Until things change, the bitchie security voice in me says avoid IE for now.

[deddard]

Got the exam booked for 14th December.
Looking through the PDF has given me a few pointers; luckily most of it isn't baffling (I've got my Cisco Intro done, so a lot was included in that) - my one weak point is the Netware and Appletalk - I've not used them, so I'll need to study them a bit further.

[deddard]

Just took the Beta - WAY different than expected.
Lots of questions on Netware, and even worse - questions on Mac OS X server :eek: :(
Which lasers use which frequency, email on PPoE, weird wireless setups and how to solve them amongst other things.

Some of the questions were ambiguous or difficult to understand - that's the whole point of the beta though. I'm not expecting a pass on this one - My experience of Macs is zilch, and my NetWare is limited. bear in mind these aren't the nice fluffy 'what do you need to install on a netware server to allow windows 2k clients to access it' type of questions we've all studied for - they are a bit weird.

There were no Linux questions for me, and Kerberos is still alive and well.
Ah well, I'll wait and see - if no joy I'll take it in the new year. On with my CCNA and Security+

[Tcat]

oh... ugh.

Could you please explain which Netware versions?

Laser frequencies... Single mode or multi-mode...

Kerberos is a big part of Security+

How deep on OS-X. Cool product, and it is FreeBSD based. Apple added * a lot * of stuff to it...

[deddard]

I've PM'd you on this Tcat - it includes a bit of detail which perhaps isn't appropriate for public posting at the minute.

[Tcat]

"Oh." :(
this one looks like it is going the way of A+. That means a low pass score and we all deal with questions written in the orgional Kelyon... Or is it Romunian ?

Well for $50.25 net, with the discount code of NET450 I figured I better see this so I can write my translator for summer 2005. The beta PDF does address a great deal of what we should be concerned about, however it does mean going into the web link footnotes. I've set myself up for a recon mission of the beta for friday afternoon in Fremont CA. That will give me something to think about during the long ride north at the end of the day.

[Tcat]

With deep respect to you, I have a completely different take after taking the beta today.

The Exec. Summary:

WAY better then N10-002
Forward looking
Really Vendor Netural

OK. The dirty details.

If a network geek thinks the sun rises and sets on Redmond, WA. well...
susprise! it doesn't. Sure... better know your file systems, and PAP, CHAP and MS-Chap. As well as the NT WIN versions vs. DOS WIN versions.

If that is all you do know, you may still pass, depending on who took the beta.

I saw a fair amount of *NIX stuff. Beyond that...

I was susprised that all the Apple stuff was 10.3 (only)!
To assist our 'Bill is our only world folks', I'll decode.

Mac OS X has 3 and soon to be 4 flavors. OS X .0,1,2, and soon 3.
The functional = to NT3/NT4/W2K/Win03

Yes, both the look/feel as well as the funtionality has changed that much.
OS X < 10.3 needs CRYPT (a shareware program) for some security. 10.3 will eat that the same way XP had added a firewall and now spyware detection.

The forward/funny part is 10.3 is not available yet!

So before any of you scream "not fair", sorry. It IS fair. They are future-proofing the test. I *knew* the answers instantly without ever having even touched 10.3, the beta (alpha). That was easy. I read Network World, and I watched a free webcast.

Ditto for Netware 6.0/6.5. Never touched it. Yet I knew right away what the question was about. Know at a high level the differences between Netware 4/5/6, and that is the game for those two.

Add some = high level understanding of *NIX and you are done.

Agreed, wording in some questions could use some work. A table of facts was poorly formatted.

In CompTIA land, well BFD. About as good as the beta of Server+. :-)
I have been full-time decoding and teaching CompTIA for 6 years after a few nasty rounds with Redmond who tried to use their weight to shut me up. So I walked. After A+ 2003, I was planning a new path. Server+ and Network+ beta tests give me new hope.

Easy? No.
Fair? Yes.
Perfect? No.
Excellent? Yes.

I have been 'pushing Mepis Linux" because it gets a newbie or MS person on the *nix path faster than anything I have touched. Add that with some reading about say, the Ziff-Davis review of whats new in Netware 6 and what s different in 10.3 and assuming you have Win knowledge..... well I could easily have gotten 90 correct out of 90 questions in 90 minutes using a whopping 20 minutes in the test. Instead I left the poorly worded questions unanswered (so automatic wrong) and wrote bitch commments instead.

Merry Christmas from CompTIA, huh?!

Tcat

[deddard]

I agree with the necessity to move away from MS - this has been a problem with CompTIA.
As I'd pointed out, I hadn't used Mac, and I was surprised by the fact that this is included to such an extent rather than Linux; I know plenty of people using MS and Linux for networks, fewer using NetWare, and zero using Mac - I owuld have thought that as Linux is coming on in leaps and bounds, this is where the majority of non-OS questions would lie.
It is good that there is a move away from MS - I just wonder how relevant things are going to be if Linux isn't a large part of the new exam.

[Tcat]

I can justify the MAC stuff. The bottom line is the almighty buck.

OS X runs on the G4 and G5 (IBM 975) chips. Both are available a blade servers. The pricing of the hardware is about equal to other blade servers, maybe a little higher.

So, what gives?

Licencing! OS X as a server licence is on the high end, $995. All the users a G5 can eat. No per seat, and a G5 can take on a LOT of users! There is a $495 for some X users too, but the 1 kilobuck, bring them users on is something that is very compelling to the CFO.

Linux is part of this because OS X is "only" Berkey BSD 4.4.4 with a Luna Shell (GUI).
So IFCONFIG is still IFCONFIG be it BSD or Linux! We could get into the differences between Unix, Linux & BSD. However these are differences in the the kernel that only have an impact to a design engineer for a system where say, you are running an intensive real-time system like Pixar Studios, or Burger King Point of sale doing real-time national aggrege of each store.

So to us mere mortals, its all the same!

OS X is turning heads at the enterprise level due to that All you can eat for a Kilobuck price. Sure, Linux is cheaper. And there is a corporate mentality of "but if it fails, I have no one to sue!" By combining a "real company" with some pretty slick real added in value to a (forgive me) *NIX based O/S, Apple has hit a home run.

No question in my mind that of all the *nix's out there, at the true enterprise level, OS X is a no brainer. Every large company has a graphics dept. Even most Video production folks are Mac.

So what you get is a *nix that seemless supports MS, Linux, MAC with some solid engineering, a great GUI, and a company you can bash with a bat if things are not working, at a price that makes the CFO happy AND the CTO.

A 'little' IT news weekly aimed at Enterprise IT called, InfoWorld is in late stage testing of convering all there servers MAC blade servers. The CTO is really thrilled, and so is their quieter CFO.

When you look at all the facts, I'm not susprised about the MAC stuff. I am susprised I didn't get more... But I guess CompTIA handled that well because Win/lose/draw on the new Beta, we all get 1/2 off the Apple Cert test price from Apple in 2005.

So we get the best of all worlds. If you want some links on the Mac and OS X, let me know... What is on the test is pretty concepual stuff.

Know your IFCONFIG, your DIG, etc., beyond the high-level OS X stuff.

I'm sitting back on MAC until I get a G5 in a laptop config. Then I max the memory and make it my primay laptop. Since I can use the horsepower to force my MS only apps like Dragon Naturally Speaking to run through emulation. DNS is a resource hog... emulation slows things down. I believe the G5 will just bully them both into working with enough real-time performance. The mythical laptop is known to be coming.... the question is how hard of a time are the hardware geeks having with making the G5 not be the next contributor to ER rooms with 2 or 3rd degree burns of the thighs. That little bully puts out a LOT of heat.

[deddard]

Thanks for that info Tcat - it does put things in perspective a bit.
I guess it's pretty easy to be blinkered by my current studies - CCNA and Security+, plus the next lot which will be MCSE & Linux. If the Mac OS X turns out the way you describe, I can well see why it's going to be important - having someone to bash with a stick is pretty important - otehrwise it's the poor grunts who do the every day admin who take it on the chin. Some links would be great.

[Tcat]

Jaguar (10.2) http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/4520-6033_16-4207543.html

Then look at the differences in Panther.

Opps, it appears 10.3 (Panther IS out!) Tigar Preview on Apple website (10.4)
http://www.apple.com/macosx/techspecs/ Direct answers to test questions.
I was mixing up my code names up! I am hanging on for the laptop G5 and
Tigar with Spotlight technology.
http://www.apple.com/macosx/tiger/

And I think I was wrong on low-end pricing.... 5 users = $199.

This site has 6 years of digging in to OSX
http://arstechnica.com/reviews/os/macosx-10.3.ars/1
The MUST READ site if you have only one site to read ;-)

Netware 6.0 http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1495886,00.asp

Netware 6.5 http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_zdpcm/is_200307/ai_ziff43725

Let me know if you want more!

(Added after posting)
Oh.... A little self promotion.... The only person I know who got a perfect 900 on SY0-101 calls my teams work "the gold standard".... its on certiguide...

http://www.certiguide.com/secplus/index.htm