CMonster
12-11-1999, 09:04 AM
Recently I bought a password from "SoftLock" to unlock several more Network+ practice tests on the "All in One Network+ Certification Exam Guide/ Network+ CDROM, by Michael Meyers/ McGraw Hill"
(The fact that I buy this $49 book and then pay an additional $49 for a password should tell you something about my character and integrity - at very least I am not cheap.)
Anyway, here is the "ripoff," in the course of tweaking our systems, as many of us do, and having to reinstall programs or swap hard disks around - I had to reinstall the program and guess what? The stupid password no longer works! SoftLock uses some kind of encryption algolrithym to determine the password and each time it is installed it is different. So programs using "SoftLock" are not the kind you can install in your next system either, unless you want to purchase a new password each time.
I have contacted the program vendor and "SoftLock" and I am awaiting response via email. I will update this post accordingly. In the meantime, don't let this happen to you - I suggest you boycott "SoftLock."
Furthermore, the book was terrible. While you might think you are learning from this easy to read exam guide, the scope of its contents is too general and does not provide enough detail to establish a good foundation in networking or to pass the Network+ exam. I found myself reading the glossary for want of more information.
But here is a book I can recommend: "Network+ Certification Study Guide" SYNGRESS/OSBORNE /McGraw Hill
This book provides a very thorough and systematic study for the exam and provides a good foundation in basic networking for any entry-level individual (like me). There is also a CDROM which has a comprehensive practice exam - and NO SoftLock here. Cost: $43.95 Anyone who is seriously thinking about "getting started" in networking will not be sorry if they buy this book.
George
[This message has been edited by CMonster (edited 12-11-1999).]
(The fact that I buy this $49 book and then pay an additional $49 for a password should tell you something about my character and integrity - at very least I am not cheap.)
Anyway, here is the "ripoff," in the course of tweaking our systems, as many of us do, and having to reinstall programs or swap hard disks around - I had to reinstall the program and guess what? The stupid password no longer works! SoftLock uses some kind of encryption algolrithym to determine the password and each time it is installed it is different. So programs using "SoftLock" are not the kind you can install in your next system either, unless you want to purchase a new password each time.
I have contacted the program vendor and "SoftLock" and I am awaiting response via email. I will update this post accordingly. In the meantime, don't let this happen to you - I suggest you boycott "SoftLock."
Furthermore, the book was terrible. While you might think you are learning from this easy to read exam guide, the scope of its contents is too general and does not provide enough detail to establish a good foundation in networking or to pass the Network+ exam. I found myself reading the glossary for want of more information.
But here is a book I can recommend: "Network+ Certification Study Guide" SYNGRESS/OSBORNE /McGraw Hill
This book provides a very thorough and systematic study for the exam and provides a good foundation in basic networking for any entry-level individual (like me). There is also a CDROM which has a comprehensive practice exam - and NO SoftLock here. Cost: $43.95 Anyone who is seriously thinking about "getting started" in networking will not be sorry if they buy this book.
George
[This message has been edited by CMonster (edited 12-11-1999).]