IT Essentials I: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide
Reviewer Name: Michael D. Alligood
Reviewer Certifications: CCNA, MCP, A+, Network+, i-Net+, CIW A, CIW CI
At first glance, I was a little shocked to see Cisco Press publish a book titled, IT Essentials I: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide. After all, this is a company in which its name is synonymous with routers and switches. However, this book is intended for those folks who are just starting out in the IT world and those who are attending an authorized Cisco Network Academy. That does not mean that you have to be a student of an Academy to grasp the practices and concepts packed in this guide.
This book was designed for individuals who want to understand the workings of a computer, both hardware and software. The Companion Guide does a great job in covering the basics of computers while teaching you how to prevent, maintain, and troubleshoot both hardware and software issues. The Companion Guide is laid out in the normal Cisco Press fashion we have grown accustomed to – starting out with the chapter objectives and ending with a chapter summary and "Check Your Understanding" review questions.
As expected, IT Essentials I: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide is packed with screenshots, figures, and diagrams to help illustrate the information clearly. For those of you who wish to pursue your A+ certification, this book will not disappoint you. All 13 chapters are dedicated to help you achieve your CompTIA A+ certification.
The accompanying CD-ROM contains three test engines, as well as interactive labs, videos, and PhotoZooms. For individuals studying for the CompTIA A+ exam, supplemental material includes a certification map that corresponds the book's chapters to the A+ exam objectives.
One thing I did find disappointing with the book was the organization, or lack thereof. The chapters appear to be in no particular order. I found myself jumping around from one topic to the next and then back again. However, this would hardly be a reason not to purchase this book.
In the end, I felt Cisco Press did a great job in relaying the information clearly. Weather you are a student at an authorized Cisco Network Academy, an individual just starting out in the IT world, or someone who is studying for the CompTIA A+ certification, IT Essentials I: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide will not disappoint you.