A jumpstart is defined as a start by use of an external source of power and that's what this book is, an external source of knowledge power. This updated book is setup for and tailored to those who are beginning the journey to the CCNA certification.

I like the way the book is broken down in simple terms but with enough technical jargon to make the newcomers feel at ease with the subject matter. The book covers an overview of each domain and provides the reader with practice questions at the end of each chapter.

The authors have an excellent grasp of the subject matter and attempt to give the reader just what they need to get started. The material, while not heavy into the certification, does make for easy reading and comprehension.

The material seems to technically accurate and does in fact cover the 640-607 exam topics. I like the way the authors have put tips and notes throughout the entire book as well as definitions along the side of the pages.

I think that the book should have included some sort of test engine, once to get the reader started thinking about the exam, but that could be included in the next update. Overall if you are ready to take the first step to CCNA or CCDA then your jumpstart is right here.

This book is written at a Highscool level. The authors so clearly explain the material in a logical and foundation building approach that the reader barely notices the learning process. If you read this book carefully it can be an excellent introduction. I'm an experienced network administrator and have some certifications; and yet found some of the information helpful. Did I actually learn anything, not much, but I was looking to review and mentally prepare myself for the next step the CCNA exam. This is definately not a college text, but it's an excellent primer as advertised.

If you do not know much about networks, this would prove to be a great book for you. This book explains even the most complex networking concepts in plain and simple english, which makes it easier for a beginner to understand. This book will help you build a strong networking foundation, upon which you can build your networking career. If you are planning to take the CCNA exam, it would be a good idea to read this book before you go onto the mainstream CCNA prep books like Sybex's CCNA prep book by Todd Lamelle. If you are a beginner, the mainstream CCNA books would not make much sense. This book was a great help to me and can be to you also. Good luck on your CCNA exam!!!

This very nice book is getting some undeserving reviews here for the simple reason that I believe the others are wanting it to be something that it was not intended to be.

WHAT IT IS NOT is a preparatory book for the CCNA exam. And if one reads the cover carefully, no such claims for it are made.

WHAT IT IS is an introduction to networking and internetworking for those who are planning to go on and study for the CCNA exam. In other words, the book is intended to provide a broad grasp of networking for those who have not already been working in a network. For instance, perhaps someone has been working primarily in desktop support, but wants to move into networking. This book will provide an overview for them of what is involved in a WAN.

On these grounds, the book is a great success. In the past year I have had numerous occasions to try to bring individuals who were not familiar with internetworking (specifically, managers and sales staff) up to speed. I would have loved to have had this book available at that time.

I do think that the publishers have perhaps limited the market for this book by emphasizing the CCNA connection. While it is a good introduction to networking for less experienced individuals planning to go for their CCNA, the book is one of the very best introductions to networking that I have seen, and is of great value to a wide range of potential users, most of whom would never go on to become a CCNA.