Hi all,
Please believe me that i have been searching for a while now on how best to get on the CCNA train but i'm still slightly confused and really don't want to spend any money before being confident that i've got a plan! I'm fairly comfortable with networking etc. so i'm not starting from scratch. As i can't afford real equipment or time off work to attend courses i'm already bound to rely on books and simulators, that much i do know. Also, it seems that you can take the CCNA exam in 2 parts (640-811) and (640-821) or in one go. So i'll decide now i'm going to go for the single exam (640-801).
It seems there are 3 routes that are generally recommended consistently in these forums for someone like myself.
- Get Sybex/Todd Lammle books with certSim software and follow up with mock exams/questions etc from numerous sources.
- Cisco press books with Boson simulators and follow up with mock exams/questions etc from numerous sources.
- Both of the above together for a more complete understanding.
My confusion however is pulling it all together, it seems there are many books from both Cisco press and Sybex, some come with CD's etc but seemingly with light versions of the simulators etc. Then there are companion guides and all sorts of other books that in the end make me wonder where exactly should i start?
Lets say i go for option 1, would it be recommended then to buy: CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide (640-801) + certSim direct from web. OR CCNA Certification Kit: Exam 640-801 with CCNA Virtual Lab Platinum Edition (is this a lite version of certSim????)
Or for option 2: CCNA preparation library (2 book bundle from Cisco) + Boson netSim direct from web.
Any comments welcome! Sorry from the long mail but it would be good to get a definitive plan together before spending money.
Thanks in advance!!!!