Cognitive Problem

I'll cut right to the chase; how is one supposed to remember the insane number of command paths for each command in each OS for the exam? I have read Mike Meyers " All-in-One " Eighth Edition three times already, burned through 10 highlighters, filled out over 300 flash cards, and have been studying my tail off. Still having problems recalling commands. What to do ? Thanks to everybody for a great forum; you guys have never let me down.

--Ryan in Hampton, VA

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jMak

I'm also preparing for A+ with the Mikey Meyers AIO. Reading it over and over again probably won't cut it. Are you running Windows OS on your computer? Have you tried just following the commands on your own with your desktop. Repeat the commands if necessary to imprint it in your brain

ptilsen

Use the commands. They are meaningless trivia if you don't use them. Force yourself to perform simple tasks on the command line, regardless of what GUI tools are available.

RyanCorbett

Thanks for the input, folks. Because the commands vary from OS to OS, does anybody recommend that I dual boot XP and Windows 7 ? I just got a new box for Christmas, and I don't want to screw it up, but something tells me that's the only way to effectively learn these commands. Thanks again !

ptilsen

Install VirtualBox, VMware Player, or whatever desktop virtualization software you want. I would not go to the effort of dual-booting just to learn OS commands. You can safely install whatever VM software without negatively impacting your host operating system.

RyanCorbett

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thank you !

Bryzey

Take this with a grain of salt. You should take into account that you might not get any questions on the exam about commands so don't get to wrapped up in memorising every little detail.

If you have read that monster of a textbook 3 times and been studying as hard as you say I would think you should be in a position that you could pass. Especially if you have supplemented with another book or a set of videos such as professor messer.

RyanCorbett

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Thanks, Bryzey. However, because of the cost of the exams, I'll risk overdoing it. I still don't think I'm ready yet. For example, I thought I was overly prepared for my Net+/Sec+ and I barely passed them both !

ptilsen

I will throw out there that each A+ exam was, from my recollection, substantially easier than Net+ and Sec+. That being said, it is in your best interests to actually understand what the majority of the commands on the A+ are and how to use them. Syntax memorization isn't that important, either in the field or on the exam, but knowing what the commands are and when to use them is.

Plantwiz

ptilsen is spot on!

If you don't understand the content, there is no point in worrying about the exams yet. Use the objectives as a guideline and the books like Meyers All-in-One that will help clarify content that you maybe don't see much in your field...the rest, get practice from old parts from Goodwill or Computer Recycle places. Help out at non-profits. Find a mentor in your area.

The A+ exams are not difficult, but they are (as with all CompTIA exams) geared toward a candidate WITH several months worth of experience. Do folks pass the exams without experience? Yep. But what's the point? If this is not the time to take the exam, get youself more familiar with the items on the objectives before you do schedule it. You'll likely do fine once you are ready.

RyanCorbett

PTilsen and Plantwiz, I will heed your advice. I actually have a trusty, 10-year old Dell ( until the hard drive went bad in October ) that I crack open to look at occasionally. My problem stems from being a small computer systems specialist in the Marines years ago. We were EXCLUSIVELY networking guys. If there was a hardware issue, we would either always wipe/reinstall or send it to our maintenance platoon to be cracked open. Maybe that's why Net+/Sec+ came easier for me while this A+ is seemingly more of a challenge ? Thanks, guys !

Plantwiz

Ryan,

You'll do fine when the time comes. It is not as difficult as 'most' of us make it out to be (before we took it), but like many things, there is that 'fear' of the unknown. And the A+ is one of the first exams many candidates take, so it makes to be a little uneasy about taking it...however, you've already passed two other CompTIA exams, this exam set will not be different.

Normal to be nervous (or worried about spending money on TWO exams for one title) and yet one of the easier exams for most.

The other thing to keep in mind, DO you NEED the A+? Or is it simply one cert you want? Not everyone needs it. And if you have Net+ and Sec+ and a background of networking, read-up on the hardware stuff and study and focus on additional Networking certs that will carry more weight like the Cisco certs or picking up some specific MS exam certs.

I'm a hardware person, so I like the A+, but I do not believe it is for everyone and I have worked with many very successful folks who never took the A+ and now in their career, wouldn't need to for any job.

Have fun with it, but if your heart isn't in it, go for the certs that matter to your future.

RyanCorbett

Thanks for the kind words, Plantwiz. Yes, it does seem that most of the entry-level IT jobs here in Hampton Roads call for the A+, at the very least.
Seemingly, most employers in our area aren't that impressed with Sec+ or Net+, seeing as how both of those certs don't call for you to actually " fix " something. Seeing as how I'm not that mechanically inclined, I feel doubly challenged with A+. It'll take me some time ( maybe more than I initially thought ), but I'm sure I'll triumph in the end, and then it will be onward to CCENT !

Plantwiz

You are welcome!
You'll be fine when the time comes!

Set small goals based on the objectives and prep for each of those goals. I'm betting whatever you did to prep for the other two exams will be how you prep for these two and it will work out. Learning something 'new' and being certain one knows it is the challenge...how do you know what an AT Mobo is? Well, once you have seen one and installed one, it is pretty easy, but I doubt you'll see many at all today and I handled hundreds at one point...so I can say "it's easy" and you maybe will read about it and 'understand it' some but if you haven't had much experience with one...you'll probably figure it out, but your confidence level on it may be lower than say with routing a packet. Maybe not the clearest analogy, but best I could muster tonight.

If you are going for A+, then set a month or two window and get it done!

Post any questions in the forum.

Darril

You've gotten a lot of great feedback here. I'm inclined to agree with Plantwiz that you probably are ready, especially after passing the Network+ and Security+ exams, and reading the AIO book three times. Though I also understand the desire to make sure you're ready so that you don't have to take the exam again.

On the commands, I wouldn't worry about the minor differences in commands between Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. But as Ptilsen mentions, I'd strongly recommend doing the commands on the operating system you have. For example, take a look at the commands in objective 1.3 and do each one at the command prompt. I'd suggest you use the /? switch for commonly used commands such as ping and ipconfig and take the time to use each of these switches to see how they work. With that in mind, I'd suggest you do these commands without the book and then only go back to the book or other research to fill in what you're not remembering.

Using some type of virtualization is a great way to see different operating systems. If you're running Windows 7, you can install Virtual PC and download Windows XP Mode with Virtual PC. A benefit is that you have a fully functional version of Windows XP that you can use and won't expire. You can download it from here: Download Windows XP Mode. As Ptilsen mentioned, VirtualBox and VMPlayer are also good free alternatives.

Hope this helps and good luck.

burfect

Sheesh. I am only using the ExamCram book and finding most of the information generally basic. I have seen many others only used this book for sole study purposes... hopefully I am not setting myself up for failure.

Michael2

It's multiple choice dude, don't freak out. Don't worry about memorizing every single command either. No one is going to expect you to know all of them. CompTIA just wants to make sure you know your way around an operating system.

jamzhill

sounds like you're feeling a little overwhelmed. this is essentials, right? don't try memorizing all commands/switches, that is a recipe for failure. search through the forums and build a list of the top 20 or so (or whatever you feel you can handle) and focus on knowing those. you obviously can't setup every scenario/environment. do the ones you can, and watch videos for the one's you can't. you miss the hands on, but it will save you a ton of time. employers won't hire you based on having A+ cert but it always helps. i've never heard anyone not get an offer because of they had a cert, but i have heard of not getting an offer for having a cert that they weren't qualified for. certs are great self motivation to learn.

RyanCorbett

thanks for all the input, folks...i'm rocking virtual box with xp/vista and am running windows 7 physically on the box.....that'll help me with commands.....i just need some more time and i'll nail it !

----Ryan

gadav478

How many (different) practice exams have you taken? That's one of the best indications of whether you are ready or not, IMHO. I try to shoot for practice exams from three sources. That way I'm getting a good mix.

Darril

RyanCorbett wrote: »

thanks for all the input, folks...i'm rocking virtual box with xp/vista and am running windows 7 physically on the box!
Ryan

Excellent. Learning virtual software such as VirtualBox is great experience - not just for the exam but also for learning other operating systems.

RyanCorbett

Darril wrote: »

Excellent. Learning virtual software such as VirtualBox is great experience - not just for the exam but also for learning other operating systems.

I think it's a good idea as well, Darril. By the way, your Sec+ book was THE definitive resource I used to get through my studies for the exam. Thanks again for such a great book.

Mend

This is exactly the reason I stopped studying for the 700 series and moved to the 800 series. I read too many complaints about people having to "know everything" to pass.

Since you're on the Meyers 8th Ed. you should be studying for the 800 series. Comptia has outlined exactly what will be on the test if you download their objectives. Just pick one and cram on those topics. Since it's commands, just do what everyone else is suggesting and work with a virtual box.

Also, you may want to take a break, you come off a little burnt out, stepping away and coming back fresh may do you well.

Good luck.

RyanCorbett

Mend wrote: »

This is exactly the reason I stopped studying for the 700 series and moved to the 800 series. I read too many complaints about people having to "know everything" to pass.

Since you're on the Meyers 8th Ed. you should be studying for the 800 series. Comptia has outlined exactly what will be on the test if you download their objectives. Just pick one and cram on those topics. Since it's commands, just do what everyone else is suggesting and work with a virtual box.

Also, you may want to take a break, you come off a little burnt out, stepping away and coming back fresh may do you well.

Good luck.

thanks for the advice, mend !

coreyb80

I would highly recommend the Exam Cram book for A+ as well. I've read it and loved it. Also, check out http://www.professormesser.com/ and take his A+ pop quizzes and he also posts a daily A+ question on his FB page. It haas helped my understanding in a couple areas. Taking my A+ exam in the next few weeks.

RyanCorbett

coreyb80 wrote: »

I would highly recommend the Exam Cram book for A+ as well. I've read it and loved it. Also, check out Professor Messer, CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Linux, Microsoft Certification Training and take his A+ pop quizzes and he also posts a daily A+ question on his FB page. It haas helped my understanding in a couple areas. Taking my A+ exam in the next few weeks.

Corey--

I have used Professor Messer's videos quite extensively in the past for my Sec+/Net+, and I am using them now for A+, as well. Though I know it is a good idea for some, I tend to stick with a single, definitive textbook on a subject ( it's worked well, so far ). Again, it's just the volume of info that we are expected that kind of gets me down a little. No worries. Thanks for your input !

rmackie

Hi

Lot's of really good advice on studying for the A+ in this thread. I too was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed by the amount of information in Mike Meyers AIO book. Feel a lot more upbeat after reading this. Thanks.

Robert