Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals

This is the best IT textbook I've ever read. In the pursuit of an Associate's Degree, I've had to purchase 8 or 9 IT textbooks. With the exception of this one, they have all been very poorly written. A couple of them I would label as "unreadable" or even "almost useless". Most of them read like the ingredient list on the back of a soup can. I'm not kidding. Mr. Ciampa's book proves that an IT text can be both technically informative and engaging. I appreciate the fact there are still authors and publishers that take the time and care to craft a quality educational product. There's only a couple of thing I would change. Occasionally, the text could use some clarification and every once in a while I'll come across what appears to be typo. Whether or not this book will help me get certified is something that only time will tell, but my guess is that it will help significantly.

My son is using this book in his dual-credit college class. It is very thorough and provides step by step instructions to install any needed utilities to help explain the topic at hand. Appears to be up to date with the latest tools and utilities. Excellent topic coverage.

This book was the textbook for my Computer Security course. It was one of the first textbooks that I actually felt compelled to read more than what was asked of me! The author keeps the content interesting and easy-to-understand. I'm an IT Systems Admin by trade, but I am confident the tech terms used in this book are explained well enough that even someone's anti-computer grandma could understand them if she wanted! There were also very few typos that I was able to find (and I normally find all of them). It seems the editor did wonderfully on this. The only reason I docked it one star is the material is in a lot of ways very surface-level. It's a great beginner book, but if you're looking for specific examples on how to conduct vulnerability assessment or penetration testing, just to name two examples, look elsewhere. This focuses more on anti-virus installation and upkeep, password protection, etc.

No complaints about the seller. Very honest and decent price. The book is very high level and is merely an introduction to technology threats. The book is written in plain English which I can't say for some of my Engineering texts! Those with experience may find the book too easy but new students should find it helpful. Think of it as wetting your appetite to learn.

My book came right on time for class. The only problem is that the CD does not work on my Windows 8 laptop. I think maybe I am doing something wrong with the download. However the book is a good book for the class I am taking.

The CD comes with an activation code, which must be entered at the Cengage web site before you can access the Labs. No problem activating product, but was locked out of the CD labs. I tried everything including Internet help research, to no avail. In all fairness, I won't criticize the vendor since it did everything as advertised. I also had the same problem with the Web-Based Labs for Security+ Printed Access Lab Mentors Printed Access Card. Cengage kept giving me an "incorrect access code". I finally asked my professor who said that the Web Based product was not the right one. Caution: If you're in the Security + Guide to Network Fundamentals course, there are several products that show the right image of the book leading one to believe it's the correct item. The correct item for performing class Labs is: LabConnection Online Study Tools for Ciampa's Security+ Guide to Network Security Fundamentals, 4th Edition, [Web Access]. Make sure that you check with your instructor before buying any product that "looks" right. Ruben

I didn't like this book the first time I read it. But after looking back after I finished my degree in Information Systems Security, I reliezed this book really gave me a great foundation of knowledge that I can appreciate now.

It is designed very well. Each Chapter has a quaint amount of text, and after your given some key descriptions, even a summary. When completing the exercises it is very easy to go back through and make sure you get it right. I mean you should read the chapters anyways but it is handy if you want to be 100%.