Exam 98-366: MTA Networking Fundamentals 1st Edition

Let me start by saying, I have a lot of experience in academia with instructional texts both as a student and as an instructor (chemistry). Have been working with computers since 1994 on a personal level and did some OS upgrades, networking and installing software, etc. A basic techie with just enough knowledge to never have had to contact any other techs to fix my personal computers. I am used to instructional texts being very well written and smoothly transitioning within paragraphs and from topic to topic and clearly defining the material. This instructional text will do what it needs to do but it is not an easy read overall. The subject matter within this book is not explained clearly. The 8P8C comment about it being the same thing an RJ45 is wrong and that is right at the very beginning. That alone made me apprehensive about going further. The don't even tell you what 8P8C means within the chapter. It is things like this that are left out that leave you scrambling to go find the real information. Several other acronyms are not defined when first introduced either. Leaving some things out because they are not necessary for taking the test does not give a good overall education and that is what someone just starting out needs.The most disappointing part is that Wiley does not support the text at all with any kind of practice tests or even answers to the end of chapter questions within the book or online. Not any answers at all. Their online student support for this book is a pdf with a list of topics on the test that are covered by the chapter. I was disappointed in that since this is a serious test that results in a certification and it costs $115 each time you take the test, if you do not pass the first time. You would expect some answers to the questions with thorough explanations. I contacted Wiley to ask about getting access to even the odd numbered questions and they said they do not give that information out except to instructors. I felt the 2nd Chapter on OSI was weak. It was not clear at all.IF you are taking the Microsoft Virtual Academy Networking Fundamentals class online, you definitely want to purchase some kind of study guide. This one is definitely NOT worth $68 or the $80+ they try to charge. Maybe $30. Still, you will need some kind of text to help you prepare. Do not try to take the test just from watching the Microsoft videos. The book does go into greater depth. I have an additional supplemental book to help explain the subject matter.There are two positives. Within the chapters are activities for your computer(s) to help reinforce the material. Also, there is a free practice test via GMetrix but it isn't from Wiley. Not sure if the code works for the test though. They do put it right on the page of the book.Overall, the book does give you information but it is not well presented. A student IS responsible for their own education yet they do need to get clear instructions so they can advance their knowledge. I cannot figure out whether the writers were trying to be deliberately vague to try to keep people from wanting to do IT because it increases their competition or it just wasn't reviewed by anyone who really understands educational philosophy and knows how to write instructional texts. While reviewing this text, I am also reading from a different one I ordered at the same time by Darril Gibson that is also specifically for educating you to take the 98-366 exam. So far it is far easier to understand and is far more clear in the descriptions of the subject matter. I am not affiliated with either publisher or author in any way.

Exceptional service.

Outstanding information on the important topics that will be covered in the exam. I also liked the way that it made me research sample questions at the end of each section. I had to make sure I was right by finding the answer myself---not the author just giving it to me.

Useful for training and getting MCP test was easy if you don't know the basics this book will help you.

*** Buyer alert *** Unfortunately I purchased this book without seeing the one review that gave the book a 1-star rating and who's comments were accurate. This book is touted as a book for a Microsoft Learning Course, however each chapter has a Knowledge Assessment with multiple questions and NO ANSWERS. After checking the publishers website to try and find a way to get help provide the answers I finally received a response from a sales department that stated "I would suggest contacting a local college to see if they are using your particular book in a classroom to see about checking your work."

Good condition!!!

Very helpful

Passed the test first time!

Livraison parfaite. Contenu très interressant.

Vous en apprendrez bien plus que ce qu'il est nécessaire pour l'examen.Je l'ai trouvé "simple" à lire et intéressant. Je n'avais effectivement plus abordé le réseau depuis plusieurs années.C'était un excellent refresh. Une fois lu, je me suis dit que l'examen risquerait d'être compliqué, mais après avoir fait le test, je peux vous dire qu'il est vraiment facile après avoir lu et compris ce livre.

Awesome stuff!