Author: Diane Barrett
Pages: 400, + CD
Publisher: Que
ISBN: 0789748282



Introduction

The title says it all - with over 800 practice questions, this book covers all the topics addressed in the CompTIA Security+ SY0-301 exam, and the CD allows you to experience what the actual exam feels like.

About the author

Diane Barrett is the director of training for Paraben Corporation and an adjunct professor for American Military University. She has done contract forensic and security assessment work for several years and holds many industry certifications, including CISSP, ISSMP, DFCP, PCME, along with many CompTIA certifications, including the Security+ (2011 objectives).

Inside the book

The book is divided in six chapters, addressing the topics of the CompTIA Security+ SY0-301 exam: network security; compliance and operational security; threats and vulnerabilities; application, data and host security; access control and identity management; and cryptography.

The questions in each chapter are divided by objective and are multiple choice. They are followed by two answer sections - the first, short one simply points the correct answer(s), and the second, longer one explains why it's correct and why the other offered answers aren't.

The answers are grouped by topic and this is helpful if you want to concentrate on reviewing a particular one, but somewhat tiresome if you try to answer them one after the other as they come along.

This is where the included CD comes handy, as there are multiple test modes and the order of questions and offered answers is randomized - just like in a real exam. The CD also provides the same detailed answers to the questions as the book.

The book includes a Cram Sheet that can (and should) be teared form the book and used as a last-second study aid. The sheet can also be printed from the PDF included in the CD, if you don't want to damage the book.

By the way, the exam engine on the CD works on Windows and .NET only. It is also good to keep in mind that the questions in the book and the CD are not actual exam questions.

Final thoughts

Handy as it is, this book should not be considered the only source of knowledge needed to pass the exam - it simply aims to reinforce the exam taker's knowledge and to reveal whether he or she is actually ready to pass the exam.

The option of timed tests offered on the CD is great for getting a feel for the upcoming examination.