new to cisco

caliman0077

I'm currently in the process of studding for my CCNA, now the book that I am using is Wendell Odom CCENT/CCNA ICND1 Cisco Press. Now I don't have much hands on experience using the switches and routers but I would like to know if by reading this book three or four times each I have a better chance of under standing the materials? What are some pretty good simulators to use?


Thank you guys for your help.

phantasm

I've never used that book but I hear it is good. I personally like Todd Lammle's CCNA book. As for Simulators, I hear alot of good things about GNS3 and Dynamips. You will need a Cisco IOS image in order to use them. Best of luck.

mamono

I concur. Check out GNS3 or dynamips.

I too used the Sybex book, so I can't comment really on Odom's books though I hear good things about Odom's books. Many people like them and continue to use them for exam prep.

LBC90805

GNS3 and Dynamips are great and pretty much needed for CCNP level Study. But you will have to get copies of Cisco IOS which can be difficult. Also the setup of Dynamips will prevent folks from investing time into using it.

For CCNA get Packet Tracer. Its a comlete program and easy to work with. Not to mention you can get some practice with switches in too. Not something you can do with Dyanmips.

drew2000

If you get stuck in the subnetting sections, refer to Lammle's CCNA book.

I had no luck trying to learn it from Odom, but Lammle just clicked for me.

Drew