Best study materials?

CodyF

Hello everyone!

I am thinking about going for my A+, Network+, and Security+ certifications, and I was wondering what you all recommend for study materials? My school used to use the "A+ Guide to Managing and Maintaining Your PC" by Jean Andrews, but they switched to the two Micheal Meyers books (CompTIA A+ Certification All-in-One Exam Guide, 8th Edition (Exams 220-801 & 220-802) and Mike Meyers' CompTIA A+ Guide to Managing and Troubleshooting PCs, Fourth Edition (Exam 220-801)).

Should I just stick with those? I was also thinking about picking up the ExamCram book.
Thanks for any help!

chipcreep

I'm using Mike Meyers Passport, ExamCram by David L. Prowse, and Professor Messer. Good luck!

CodyF

Thanks chipcreep!
I forgot to mention I'd be looking into Professor Messer as well. It seems like a lot of people pick up the ExamCram and watch Professor Messer and do fine. Hopefully I can too!

Slithy

While I have not used Exam Cram, I like the Sybex book more than the Meyers Passport. The Meyers readability is better but the depth of content in the Sybex book is much better. Messer videos are great as well, though I wish he had his own practice questions on videos for the 2nd test as well.

edit: The link Snow.bros gave is the Sybex book i mention.

Snow.bros

CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide Authorized Courseware: Exams 220-801 and 220-802: Quentin Docter, Emmett Dulaney, Toby Skandier: 9781118324059: Amazon.com: Books along with the Exam Objectives and a bit of Professor Messer's CompTIA 220-801/802 A+ Training | Professor Messer - CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Linux, Microsoft Technology Training and you good to go. All the best and enjoy!!!

hasasn

+1 for Messers's videos.

Navi+

Messer's videos are great. Check out his site, there's a chat at the bottom of each page where you can talk to other people/students watching his videos. Great stuff.

CodyF

Thanks everyone!
The Sybex books look pretty intense. I think they might be the way to go, along with Messer videos. Anyone else have an opinion on Sybex?

I'm not only looking to pass the A+, I'm also looking to increase my general knowledge when it comes to hardware and basic software. Sybex seems a bit more fitting for that. The Meyers books are totally designed on just passing the A+.

chipcreep

I just picked up the Sybex CompTIA A+ Complete Review Guide from the library as a last minute skim through before I take the 802 in a couple of weeks. I wish I would have gotten it earlier.

The Mike Meyers Passport is my least favorite out of that, the Sybex book, and ExamCram.

Micky73

Did you guys pay for the Messer videos or just watch what he has online for free?

IS3

I used Sybex A+ Deluxe edition book. Professor Messer videos on youtube. And most importantly the experience of breaking a pc and fixing it.