Just amazing... Both books, and the Video-Class...
But it's not news, if we talking about CiscoPress, and Wendell Odom work.

Certainly will help me to get my CCNA.

The book is excellent although I had to return the set due to the fact that the first book's cd was blank.

Most advantages of those 2 books (cheap, comprehensive, additional materials) have been mentioned by other reviewers and I agree. I am not sure if it covers the exam topics, since I haven't taken the test (and even if I had, we are not supposed to talk about what is on the exam :-). What I really like about this author is the technical accuracy of every single sentence. I haven't read absolutely every page, but read enough of it and could not find any mistake (and I am a really bad person when I read a book :-). Besides accuracy and in depth analysis of the topics, this book at some points can substitute not only classroom training, but also some experience operating real networks (e.g. the part that talks about physical circuit clock rate and synchronization in fundamentals of WANs). If you trust this author, you will learn a lot of useful things, more that just "what is the command to do this and that?". Yes, that's it. This book is generally useful, even for those that already know most of the stuff. Good job! Oh, almost forgot to mention how much I enjoyed the Flintstones Network story (if you read it after you have understood the rest of the material, you will appreciate more how much funny it is :-)

Odom has done it again- produced another outstanding library to help CCNA candidates learn the material needed to pass the CCNA exam. This is an outstanding library that I recommend to all.

The one thing that sets this library apart from the competition is the depth of material presented. Not only do you learn the topics on the CCNA exam, but you learn about networking fundamentals in general. Instead of learning how to pass the exam, you learn and understand the material needed to pass the exam and use in real life situations.

Additionally, this library has a slew of "extra" features that help make it standout from any other CCNA library in the market. For example, the video on subnetting included is outstanding!

If you want to have the best CCNA prep tools on the market, get this book!

This set is tailored to the new user as well as to the Cisco familiar user. It has suggestions on how you should read each book and in what order. I would recommend this book for anybody as a study guide for the CCNA or even for a Network Management shop reference.

I am intimately familiar with these contents, having been the author's technical editor for almost all of the editions of this book (and other Odom titles). I'm also a professional trainer in the computer security arena.

Odom has a remarkably clear way of explaining sometimes complex material. He ties things together and gives good memory aids for remembering related terms and concepts. The books are organized in a logical progression, but the individual chapters do not assume that the reader is treating the book like a novel and reading each word in sequence. You could begin your studies on page one of book one or you could use the book as a reference -- just looking up topics that you're finding difficult while taking a course, for example.

The exam engine is easy to use and the questions are at the right depth for the exam. There are no "gimmes" in the pool (for example, a question with a long answer that's correct and a several short wrong choices). Even a question asking the reader to match a binary number with part of an IP address has 4 good choices (many competitors make elimination easy by choosing an even number in decimal then providing two or three obviously odd numbers -- last digit is 1 -- in the binary answers).

The actual Cisco CCNA tests have simulation questions. Rather than just asking about concepts and syntax, you have to act as if you were connected to a router or switch and configure it. This book has software from Boson that gives you the same experience.

The bottom line is this: When you do these assessment tests, you'll know that the score you get reflects your level of preparation. You'll know your strong areas and you'll know where you need to focus your studies in order to get the cert.

The single topic that most new CCNA candidates have trouble grasping is subnetting. The good news is that once you get it, you wonder what was so hard about it. This book gives you a DVD with Odom explaining subnetting; in less than an hour you'll be in the "that was easy" camp.

This is a highly recommended resource.

Cisco has sub-divided their CCENT and CCNA track into two separate exams, and this is a two book set that divides study materials respectively. Since each book discusses only the topics you need to know to pass each respective exam, it reduces the pressure of having to learn all of the material for the single CCNA exam. After having been through formal classroom training, I obtained these books to complete my preparation for taking the 822 and 816 tests and I soon learned after opening these books that classroom instruction alone would not prepare me well for the exam. One of the best things about these books is the "Do I Know This Already?" sections at the start of each chapter. There are at least ten multiple choice questions to quiz your knowledge on each chapter. This enabled me to quickly determine if I should read the chapter for more in-depth study.
The books contain an extensive 25 page glossary that defines basically any and all terms you would need to understand. In book two, the included CD contains a great video lesson on NAT overloading that was one of the best descriptions I have heard on the topic. Wendell Odom did a nice job of explaining each concept that is needed for thorough understanding of the necessary concepts needed to not only pass the exam, but to perform your job as a CCNA. While I passed both exams, I will say the wealth of information contained in these books far exceeds what Cisco tests on, so they will be a great reference for me until I have solid grasp of the concepts utilized at a CCNA level job.

I'm a full time instructor of Cisco courses and a CCIE. My students sometimes ask for book recommendations for further study and review. So, I hope that this review of Wendell Odom's "CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, Third Edition" will provide some insight for CCENT and/or CCNA candidates considering the purchase of this library. Following are my observations:

- The "library" contains two separate books: (1) CCENT/CCNA ICND1 Official Exam Certification Guide Second Edition and (2) CCNA ICND2 Official Exam Certification Guide Second Edition.

- Unlike some competitive titles you might come across, this CCNA library cleanly divides the topics of the 640-822 (CCENT/ICND1) exam and the 640-816 (ICND2) exam. So, if a candidate wanted to achieve their CCNA certification by taking the individual exams, they could study the corresponding book from the library. Alternately, if they wanted to take the composite 640-802 CCNA exam, they could study the entire library.

- Cisco Press' "Official Exam Certification Guide" series contains several features that readers can benefit from:
o Icons identifying key topics
o A "Do I Know This Already?" pre-test at the beginning of a chapter
o Memory tables
o Identification of key terms

- Each of the two books in the library contains a DVD and a CD. Each DVD contains personal Video Mentor-style demonstrations of topics by the author.

- Each CD allows you to install a corresponding practice exam from Boson, which has a nice testing engine supporting simulation and testlet questions, in addition to the traditional multiple choice questions found in many competing products.

- The author doesn't just hit the high points, but rather provides in-depth treatment to the myriad of topics on the CCNA exam.

- Binary math and subnet masking are major CCNA topics, and one of the CDs contains a binary math game, which plays much like a video game.

The think I find most striking about this library is the price. It includes a total of two books, two DVDs, and two CDs for a list price of $59.99. As an owner of many Cisco Press books, I consider this to be one the best values out there for CCNA prep.

This 2-volume book is exactly what I was looking for.
That is an excellent one about 640-802 exam or if somebody is interested to know about Cisco networking technology.

Having taught the Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification class at local community colleges, I am always interested when new Exam Certification material is published. This new CCNA Official Exam Certification Library, which is in its Third Edition, provides the individual who does not have the time or the funds to take an actual class (like I occasionally teach), a complete, step by step approach to studying and passing the current CCNA exams (ICND1-640-822 & ICND2-640-816 or CCNA-640-802). These volumes provide a solid explanation of networking fundamentals and provide a logical progression of topics and understanding, focusing on building an overall solid technical foundation and, of course, passing the CCNA examinations. The current CCNA exams are much more detailed in scope than in past tests, requiring the student to have specific concept and configuration knowledge encompassing internetworking fundamentals and progressing into routing protocols, switching, including Spanning Tree, WAN protocols, Wireless, IPv6, Access Lists, etc. Because the course material has grown in depth and breadth, the book strives to simulate, in some ways, a class environment by having pre-chapter quizzes to allow the student to assess their current knowledge on the chapter's topics as well as a syllabus or foundation topics to review as a roadmap. Included in each chapter are key topic reviews, lists of key terms and command reference tables. These are critical for the self-study individual since there is no teacher to ask questions - and this is where the other features of the book come in handy.

Since I teach, I wanted some true `students' opinions, so I handed off my copy of this Library set to a number of individuals who had either just passed their test or were studying with other materials. I asked them their opinion of this new edition, asking them to look at all the new study materials and features included in these volumes. The comments I received back were very enthusiastic. They really liked the fact that the books contain both DVD and CDrom resources. The DVD has a series of videos on IP addressing and subnetting, while the CD has several practice scenarios with excellent step by step of explanations how the answer was achieved (just like in a class room). There is even a companion book website that assists the student in further clarification of questions in the book and new postings by the authors on relevant topics. One response back on the book especially liked that it spoke clearly to what is on the CCNA exam and the fact that there was an exhaustive table of Exam topics and where in the book the subject was covered. Other feedback from my small group referred to the testing engine from Boson that provides the student a chance to test just like the real thing. Suffice to say, my little group students wished they had had these great resources when studying for the CCNA.

As for my opinion of the book, I think that the writing and clarity of the composition, in logical progression and consistent format, is what I strive to deliver when I teach, so I really appreciate the effort that went into the creation of these books by the authors. I understand the amount of work it takes to create solid educational materials. Lastly, there is a good last chapter that goes into final preparation, including study plans, relating how and what to practice and how to approach the CCNA testing. This is the same advise that I give students when I teach. This new CCNA Library is a great resource and I would recommend it to anybody who is looking for a self-paced, study program or as supplemental material in addition to other CCNA learning materials.

Gary Roesler, CCIE #11451

Well I have read both of these books, and have taken the 802 exam and passed (thankfully!) and thought i'd share my thoughts with you on these books.

Wendell Odom not only prepares you for the real world using real world examples, but compiles the material to be easy and enjoyable to read. It helps if you're actually interested in networking of course!

I found the CD's great value, but one thing i have noticed is that the practice exams on the CD's are harder than the real thing! Excellent if you want to prepare properly, but this can be demoralising.

The CCENT book gives a great theory outline to most of the topics, and the 2nd book covers a lot of the command line entries.

They are good books but you will want to also use the internet to practice subnetting.

(It was nice not to have to pay $50 per book, the pair I got for $60).

Go get these and read them cover to cover if you're serious about passing and gaining a career in internetworking.

Having previously passed the CCNA exam, but needing to recertify, I really like the layout of the book with the quick exam checks at the beginning of each chapter. I still reviewed the chapters and found the content to way above the quality of material available 8 years ago when I was beginning my CCNA quest.

The simulated exam question were well worded and totally applicable to the content that is covered on current exam.

I did find a couple of errors that I will be sending for the next version, but they would not affect ones ability to pass the exam after studying this book.

The CISCO subject over all is dry. This book, by far, is the best I have received to date. It was well written. You can follow along. With some formal training and this book you should be able to get your CCNA.

The revision of this book has made it easier to study for the CCNA. The updated information and the simlabs ensure easier and comprehensive understanding of the skill and abilities when servicing routers and switches.

Thanks for a better book that mirrors the CCNA prerequisites.

This was the only resource I used to pass my ICND1 & ICND2 exams. You get so much material for a relatively small price. The practice exams are excellent, although I found some errors, and will condition you for the real exam. I found that the practice exams on the CD were more difficult than the actual exam. The printable appendicies on the CD's are also very useful for memorizing facts about key topics. I found the chapters on frame-relay to be more confusing than they had to be, however. I didn't think the author did a very good job explaining local vs. global DLCI addressing. I was totally confused until I consulted several other internet sites for clarification. Maybe, it's just me. Frame-relay is being replaced by MPLS anyway, and I doubt if I'll ever see frame-relay again.

Overall, this is an incredible resource for passing the CCENT/CCNA exams for the price, and I would recommend it to anyone seeking to get certified.

I'm surprised at the positive reviews this book is getting. In my humble opinion the most important thing in a large technical text is organization. All the topics have to be well grouped under correct headings with clear and concise definitions of all key terms as to simplify the material and make clear the global picture of where everything fits in. Having said that I find this book very poorly organized. The chapters are all jumbled up with interwoven topics. Key terms and definitions are scattered through out the text leaving the reader to have to pretty much rewrite and reorganize the whole book in his notes as well as looking to other sources for clarification. I have read the previous 640-801 book and find it to be much better. If you are anything like me (a person who can spend 5 days looking for well written material 2 days absorbing the information and 1 day producing a product for your clients) you will not like this book. I'm very disappointed with the choice of study material available for this exam in general, but this book in my opinion would have to be the worst.

P.S> I have looked into the Sybex book as well and although I do find it wordy it does a better job at organizing the material.

I read both books and i think they are far better than the Sybex book.
More details, more in depth explanation, better examples, thorough cover of CCNA requirements and more.Study with these 2 books, and sure you will pass the test and will have an excellent ground for the Professional level certefications.

This book can be long and wordy but it is by far the most thorough resource for passing the CCNA. At $35 you cant go Wrong.

The two books contained on the package are simply great, even for beginners!

The only thing I could miss, is some more examples and practice exercises, but in average is all ok!

Since it is written by Cisco press it is very extensive and in-depth, but the Sybex CCNA (bestseller in CCNA list) is much easier to comprehend and the chapters and what you need to know are better. Buy that book instead.

These books are very good sources of information for those interested in learning more about internetworking (with Cisco Systems equipment). Although the books are very informative and technically accurate, I think they would be better if there was a lab section at the end of each part of the books (Part I, Part II, etc.) to give the reader some suggested lab activities that reinfore the concepts that were covered in each chapter. There doesn't need to be one lab per chapter, but a lab for each part of the book, which groups chapters logically, would be a nice addition.

This certification library is a significant improvement over the last version of the CCNA Certification Library, including information that is more appropriate for new network engineers and the internetworking problems they will be faced with. Detailed coverage of modem standards, DDR, and physical-layer WAN technologies has been summarized to make room for an introduction to newer topics like IPv6, VPNs and Network Security.

I received exactly what I asked for at half the price of what Cisco Press list it for. I will be purchasing here again. The books are very informative. I'm so glad I found this deal! I will and do recommend this site and these books to everyone.

Totally worth the $. Multiple methods of problem solving are covered. I found it much easier to understand than the material written by Todd Lammle. The included video, and the binary game are great.

This Certification Library is quite interesting to read, quite simple and to the point, covers latest technologies in simple and understandable way. I really appreciate the product more than the previous one.

I just took the test today and I'm still in shock about passing the CCNA. About six weeks ago I decided to get serious and start studying for this test. I bought the Cisco Press books and the 'CCNA for Dummies' book. It turns out that I didn't even use the 'Dummies' book. The Cisco Press Library comes with two books, which I read both cover to cover. After reading both books I moved to the CDs that come with this book which has alot of useful material. The Boson practice exams that come with book I think are the most useful. The questions that the practice exams asks are very similar to the questions that the real test asks. With the combination of both the book and the practice exams you will be well prepared. Practicing with all the tricky questions really make you learn the material to the smallest detail. The DVDs that come with the book are pretty lame and dry, I didn't use them. I do what to clarify that I did have previous hands on experience with Cisco routers, but I used a free simulator to brush up on some of my skills. This book is must and I probably would not have passed without it. I was really nervous walking into the exam, but the resources that this book provides prepared me very well for the exam.

This book is very helpful and provides thorough explanation of what is needed to know for the exam. If you're on an entry level to networking then this is THE book for you!

The two books that come with the package provided a very detailed and deep look into all the topics you need to be prepared for the CCNA exam. I was looking for a good source of information to study more advanced IP subnetting topics and this book was a great deal of help.
Definitely a must have for CCNA study.

I think the writer or writers over writing certain subjects (some switching and routing concept). I felt that a lot of things was over explain to were you would never really understand what you needed to know. The book does give you complete coverage. I took the test and there are certain key points that you needed to remember, but it is hard to pick up on these points, when the writer is over exaggeration his explanations to fill up pages. To be honest; both of these books could have been better summarize into one book. Wendell; I think you need to Auto Summarize these books a little bit better. Also, the testing software did not work for me. I remember reading the older version of Cisco Press 801, were the test questions took over and help you a lot after reading the text.

Just like his previous works, Odom writes a comprehensive but very dry 640-802 Certification Library. Which I have always found a refreshing style. The major problem I have with this edition of the cert library is the lack of after chapter questions that were featured so prominently in the last edition. Basically if you could answer these questions without looking, the CCNA was a piece of cake. You could really tell that care was taken to prepare and pick these questions. Also the new chapters really kind of stick out. There is little effort in them to really reinforce the learning with repeated references to key topics that Odom pulled off so well in previous editions.

Overall the lack of review questions and polish in the new chapters really give the reader a sort of "rushed" feeling.

The new package for the CCNA is awesome. It is straight forward and to the point and a little easier for non-networking personnel to understand. I wish they had come out with this product alot sooner.

This is the first Cisco book that I have read, but among the many technical books that I have read, this one compares well. I am still getting through the first book (ships with 2), but I come away from each chapter feeling as if I have learned the material. Of course, this book works more like a combination text and workbook. There is an accompanying cd that contains problems for you to work through, the Boson test engine, a little CBT training and even a binary game. For the money, this book is definitely a great value.

This books contains more than enough information to pass the exam. It also serves as a good book to keep for future reference. The writing style of the author is highly technical. Definitely a must have.

I disagree with some previous reviews: reading this book - and only this one, I mean both tomes of course - will get you through the CISCO CCNA exam. Also, even if you do not want to go through the exam, Odom has written a very good, pedagogical, complete and friendly introduction to networking in general. This is highly recommended to all interested in computer networks - even the newcomers. After this you are ready for the advanced texts from the likes of Comer, Stevens, Radia Perlman ...

This is an excellent in-depth resource for those wanting to complete the current Cisco CCNA certification test. The information in this book covers every scenario on the test in detail, except for the labs, where an understanding of the command structure comes in to play. It should be noted that the test will be updated significantly in 11/2007, so this book may have some outdated information or be missing some new facts for the revised test at that point. But for now, this is the best resource for CCNA test takers to date.

This library is an excellent guide for peoples want get CCNA certification , very simple to understand and give you more than one way to learn. I really recomend.