Comptia A+ Certification All-In-One Exam Guide, 8th Edition (Exams 220-801 & 220-802) 8th Revised ed. Edition

I may not represent the "typical" target for this book as I purchased it strictly to review CompTIA's Windows troubleshooting protocols; I'm sure my mindset of "let's nuke the entire site from orbit, it's the only way to be sure" when a computer encounters any moderately complex problem is probably not the most conventional (at my job I've found it more practical to keep a backup image on the network). Despite that, I've ended up reading it (mostly) cover to cover; no small feat considering it clocks in at 1150+ pages, and I think I've walked away with more than I expected.Mike Meyers takes a "let's start at the bottom" approach that I find ideal since I think it's easier to understand a complex subject when I get the building blocks first. I'd say the first quarter to third of the book is focused on the overview of the PC, its basic technology, and the evolution that brought us to the present day. Every chapter begins with a section titled "Historical/Conceptual" in which he will review the basic concepts of how the technology works, then become more concrete. For example, over the course of a few chapters the book covers the basis of computer language (the binary system) and how the processor physically communicates with the rest of the computer. He then applies this to describe the Intel 8088 processor, an old and very influential design, then explains how that design evolved over time to incorporate new innovations and discoveries to bring the reader to the present day's Intel Core series. The middle of the book moves into bringing the fundamentals together, and towards the end circles back to advanced/esoteric hardware implementation and networking.Some of the material in these sections may seem to have little bearing on the A+ exam, but it's critical to really knowing the basics of computers and how they work; after all, you can't fix something you don't understand. Generally, beyond Historical/Conceptual comes "Practical Application" which will delve into implementing and troubleshooting. I found the tone throughout well balanced, with the right amount of technical detail mixed with analogies where necessary to promote understanding, and enough humor keep a reader awake. There are also a fair amount of Windows screencaps and diagrams when discussing muddy or dense subjects. Every chapter wraps up with a brief quiz to ensure you've picked up the essentials, and closes with a section titled "Beyond A+" to further expand on relevant topics or suggest continued reading or practice.Later chapters move into what you would expect - Windows internals, hard-drives, LANs, networking, mostly with the same thoroughness as earlier chapters, though at times it does feel like the author is simply rattling off information from a list - I found the section on Windows Group Policies especially tedious, but that's Group Policies for you. Some of the analogies I thought might seem belaboured to a novice; the CPU as a man in a box flipping switches I thought was possibly confusing (like, so simple it's actually kind of obtuse) to someone who doesn't already know a bit about binary and electronics.If you're considering purchasing this book as a beginner looking to pass the A+ exams, I wouldn't think twice. I think this alone would be enough to pass the exams, provided you spend the time needed to actually practice what you can. The specifics the book gets into about troubleshooting particular problems (and the decent index) would also make this an ok reference to have lying around a shop, though not my first choice.I know when you're first starting out, it's hard to be patient, especially when you're making your way through a tome as hefty as this, but don't skim and don't think this book is "beneath you" (my mistake initially) and you'll have a good amount of knowledge under your belt by the time you hit the end. A+ is probably your first step, it's important that you get your first step right.Beyond A+ comes the brunt of computing today - networking. This same author's "Network+" guide book, written with the same attention to detail, would seem to be a natural starting point but it might also be beneficial to go hands on first and try "Computer Networking: Internet Protocols in Action"; it comes with a CD containing packet traces you'll be following with an analyzing program called Wireshark. I'd also suggest a classic, "TCP/IP Illustrated, Volume 1" if you really want to get how networking works. You'd also do well to check out the catalog of No Starch Press, and bookmark them; you'll be coming back to their heavy stuff in a year or two.

I am a "professional PC Technician/Network Analyst". I have a bit over 12 years experience working with technology, mainly PC's, audio equipment, video, mobile devices, programming, wired and wireless networking, etc., divided between actual jobs (some were good jobs!) and the classroom. Well, I have been working on a BA for 5 1/2 years now (a 4 yr degree, of course) at 4 different universities and I actually have a 3.69 GPA, and lack 23 hours to finish...So, I will earn a BA, but only because Im so close, it would be stupid not to...This book is the reason why! I have known about the A+ exams since around 2001 when I was the "junior PC Tech" for my junior high(2001=9th grade), and my boss/teacher, Mr. Warrington, was so confident in my skills at that time, that he was willing to pay for my exam and help me earn it before I ever went to college, but I didn't want to work with computers for the rest of my life at the time...Im a Psychology/Addiction Studies Major...I was just good at working on them. Well, time went on and I had several jobs, one even for google, and Mcafee as well...BUT, little did I know, that little piece of paper that says you are A+ Certified was the difference in $12-$16 an hour, 32-40 hours a week (don't get me wrong that's decent money for nothing but a little exp. and a high-school diploma) to making a salary of $51,244 a year...I earned my A+ on the 3rd of May and started working for the company Im with now on the same day I was certified...That was the requirement. Think if I would've had that when I lived in downtown Austin, TX and worked for google...I would be making 6 figures at this point...Thanks to this book...I am a convicted felon (expunged) with a high-school diploma and 12+ years of hands-on work, a lot of which wasn't "on paper", and an A+ Certification I just got my first business cards on Saturday...I've never had a business card with MY name on it! I've never had an office...And Im just starting off now as a "professional", my past experience is irrelevant now, really. I know this is long but I cant explain enough how much of a difference maker this certification is and can be, and how easy it is to earn with this book. If you know a thing or two and know your way around. You can install a stick of RAM, and remove malware, and set up a wireless network in a home or small office, you know your way around Windows, VERY WELL, well then you pick up the book and study the 801-802 sections in each chapter and if you can correctly answer the questions at the end of the chapter, move on until the book is complete. Take the practice exams, if you score above a 90%, I would say your golden...And if you know nothing of computers other than how to turn it on and login to facebook and check your e-mail, maybe download some music and burn a cd, well read the book...give yourself time...read read read read read. Take the quiz at the end of each chapter, and when you can make 100% on every chapter quiz you should take the practice exams on the cd...when 95% or higher is achieved on each exam, call Pearson VUE and schedule the exam. And you come out with a little knowledge and a certification either way...I am starting an entirely new life...I just got my first paycheck and I have never had a check like that that I knew I had another one coming that month too! Changed my life...it's literally a $52000/yr book, at least to me...do it...