How important are book editions when stuudying?

I originally planned to do the A+ Core and OS exams in 2006 and bought the 'A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide - Fourth Edition' for self study. Unfortunately, unforeseen issues arose and I had to put of doing the exam. It's now Jan 2008 and I'm now ready to to start studying again but I have a few questions.

The exams have changed from the Core and OS exams to the 202-602.
Does that mean that I will need to buy the sixth edition of that same book for it to be effective when studying?
Can I use the edition that I currently own and still pass the 202-602?
Is there anyway that I can find out what content was added between the 4th edition and the 6th edition?

Thanks for any information that you can provide.

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Comments

dynamik

Considering the 4th and 6th editions are nearly 4 years apart and that there was a major revision to the test, I would definitely get updated resources.

You can download the A+ objectives here: http://certification.comptia.org/resources/objectives.aspx and compare them to your book and see how well they match.

cacharo

Instead of trying to track down what changed in the different versions of the book, I would review the different objectives of the tests themselves. If the test versions that the books cover are the same the content will likely be very close.

That being said I would strongly suggest picking up some new material. I always suggest using multiple sources since all books emphasize the objectives of the test differently. You may still be able to use the older book to supplement, but with the changes to the A+ tests since 2006 it would be very beneficial to get some up to date resources.

brad-

I took both of the tests a couple months ago. I had the "new" books and it didnt make a bit of difference. Even though I knew the books and practice tests extremely well, when I sat down and started the tests it was like "where are they getting these questions from"? Same with N+.

Plantwiz

Just depends on how well you understand the material.

Look at the objectives as mentioned.
If you find that pretty staight-forward and you "KNOW' that info, a book 1 off the current book should be fine.

The book is only about $60, not sure why that scares you as far as an investment in your training. Deliver some pizza's and go get the book.

(thinking back to the hundreds of dollars I spent on college books that were a complete waste

.... I rarely turn down a book ).

Mr. Thirdworld

Thanks for the responses guys. I was able to source a copy of the 6th edition from a friend. It seem to me that the only differences are the addition of a few new chapters and some rewriting of the old ones. Good research should make up for the difference in content between the editions.

But you guys are right, multiple source are key in not just passing these exams but learning in general, so it looks like I'll need to buy a new book anyway. Any suggestions on a good one?

cacharo

Mr. Thirdworld wrote:

I'll need to buy a new book anyway. Any suggestions on a good one?

I am partial to Sybex. They contain lots of information and imo it isn't as dry as others.

Plantwiz

Sybex was the first to publish with the latest objectives and it's a fine book.

Meyers traditionally has proven good and should still be valuable.

Those two both get my recommendation. There are other published books, but these two always standout and tend to have some of the best material for study on several exams.

Kikode

I'm currently Studying the Mike Meyers A+ Guide to Managing and troubleshooting PC's. This book is Top Notch if you ask me. It has Tons of Pics is broken up into 24 chapters so its easy to pick up and put down. It has Key terms and quizzes at the end of each chapter and a really nice CD. Although I'm probably gonna need to get an exam cram book after I'm done so I can get some extra practice questions. I had the N+ Sybex book for my N+ and I was very unimpressed with the sheer amount of typos in the Fast pass and Study Guide book. Exam Cram 2 was loaded with mistakes as well. So far the Mike Meyers book is great and reinforces everything so I highly recommend.

147

I also used the Sybex and Exam Cram books (newest editions) and the Sybex was right on, while the Exam Cram was a complete waste of money. The material was irrelevent and there were a lot of mistakes.

If you're not sure, just buy the new book and be done with it. The peace of mind will free your head up to focus on the material at hand which has to be worth the $40 - $60 in the long run. (You'll already be spedning $300+ on the exams, so what's another $50?)