Cisco CCNA in 60 Days 2nd Edition

I've used Paul's books, guides, and websites in the past, have been a member of howtonetwork.net, and currently joined his CCNA in 60days site. His passion for IT and helping others shines through in everything he does, the incredible value he packs into his sites and books is incredible! I remember when I first decided to study for the CCNA and was stupefied at the cost of some of these weekend boot camps and other CCNA courses. I just couldn't afford it and was immediately discouraged, until I came across Paul's howtonetwork.net site and discovered his book CCNA Simplified, which were both amazing! The information was easy to read and straight forward, and what you were getting for the cost was unmatched!I have been using the Cisco CCNA in 60 Days book along with the site and it's been extremely helpful in furthering my knowledge and preparing me for the exam. I particularly love the tips and Real world notes in each chapter, as well as the questions/quizzes at the end of the chapters. For me, the combination really helps solidify the information in my mind. I have tried to read the Cisco books and for me it's a painful experience. CCNA in 60 Days is enjoyable and easy to read.I would highly recommend this book to anyone serious about passing the CCNA. I still look around from time to time, but there simply are no other resources as good and value packed as Paul's. Thanks Paul for devoting yourself to helping others to achieve great things in their lives.Cheers!

Use this book as it is intended to be used, and it will be an excellent guide in helping you achieve your CCNA certification. A friend recommended this book after they used it to help them pass their CCNA certification. I'll pass on the same advice they gave to me, and that the book itself recommends: put in the recommended 2+ hours per day, utilize the resource material, and there is no reason why you should not be prepared to take your CCNA exam in 60 days. Obviously the less time you put it, the less likely you will be ready to take the exam in 60 days. Even if you do not have the 2+ hours per day for 60 days to put it, this is still an excellent book in helping you achieve your CCNA. Simply extend out your days.Like the book itself says, it will be helpful (but not necessary) if you are already familiar with CompTIA Network+ material. Being familiar with the Network+ material will simply help one expedite through the foundational networking concepts that are discussed throughout this book. If you are not familiar with the Network+ material, do not worry about it. Having studied for the Network+, and having read multiple books on Network+ material, I can assure you that this book does as good of job as any other book in explaining the essential networking foundations. Obviously this book goes beyond the basics of networking and is specifically designed to make you proficient with Cisco networking—hence Cisco Certified Network Associate.I give this book a five star review precisely because it accomplishes what it claims to accomplish: it prepares a person to take, and pass, the CCNA in 60 days. This should go without saying, but this doesn't mean that everyone who reads this book will achieve their CCNA. Like any subject or topic, you have to have the aptitude to be able to comprehend the material. So if you have the aptitude to understand networking concepts, this book is excellent in guiding you towards your CCNA certification.

I normally pass on any book with titles leading you to an epihany in X many days. I bought this one however on a recommendation of an ex-colleague. I'm also fortunate to have a couple of CCIE's in the lab with me, so we reviewed the book together and quickly validated about 50% of the labs (odd days only). So far so good.I found the labs for more realistic than those found in Cisco Press books. In my humble opinion (the CCIE's in the lab, confirm this) - this is not an intro book to ccna/networking. You should have a good grasp of networking principles and concepts, along with some Cisco hands on experience if able and are seriously thinking of taking the CCNA.I like the book's layout - each day starts with a Task - followed by explanations of all subtopic's related to the task you need to master (this is the section, I believe is where someone completely new to networking would find difficulty in, and could use a textbook that explains concepts in greater detail). I find it more than sufficient. At the end there is a Q&A section with answer, followed by detailed labs to complete.With the book geared and updated for the new CCNA exams, I will use this book as the primary prep for the CCNA (the guys in the lab say its good). Will update this review further if needed.

I have read Paul's blogs as well as listened to many of his lectures and I thoroughly appreciate and enjoy his teaching style. I have researched other CCNA teaching material out there for some time. Out of all of the teachers out there I use "CCNA in 60 Days" as well as two other sources. If you are looking for a book that will help you cut corners this is not for you. Anything worth having takes effort and a lot of it. I liken this book to a road map. It carefully follows the course syllabus and guides you in the right direction. Is it fool proof, No. Will it be the only material used to help you pass the exam, no. But it is a great reference, as well as a guide stone. It will help you figure out what to study. How to properly configure labs and how much time to dedicate daily. I would also recommend his audio book for you auditory learners out there. If you put in the work you will not be disappointed and the support is awesome. Thanks Paul, looking forward to obtaining my CCNA and beyond very soon.