The only authorized textbook for the Cisco Networking Academy Program

This Companion Guide maps to the current version of the web-based course and contains many advancements and extra learning aids, including the following:

Close alignment with the online curriculum provides step-by-step guidance for students

Chapter objectives provide references to the concepts covered in each chapter, and an extensive glossary lists key terms and their definitions

Review questions at the end of each chapter track progress and aid studying

Accompanying CD-ROM includes exclusive enrichment materials such as 15 e-Lab activities, more than 800 exam practice questions, 12 PhotoZooms of networking equipment, and 10 instructional videos that prepare students for the CompTIA A+ certification exam

Additional resources on the CD-ROM include information on the features of the Windows XP operating system, as well as a certification map for the A+ certification exam objectives

Cisco Networking Academy Program IT Essentials I: PC Hardware and Software Companion Guide is the Cisco approved textbook that supports the Hewlett-Packard sponsored web-based course of the Cisco Networking Academy(tm) Program. The topics covered in this guide provide readers with the necessary knowledge to help them pass the CompTIA A+ certification exam and become certified computer service technicians. This guide also prepares students to be able to properly install, configure, upgrade, troubleshoot, and repair microcomputer hardware.

Cisco Press is a collaboration between Cisco Systems, Inc., and Pearson Education that is charged with developing high-quality, cutting-edge educational and reference products for the networking industry. The products in the Cisco Networking Academy Program series are designed to prepare students for careers in the exciting networking field. These products have proven to be strong supplements to the web-based curriculum and are the only print companions that have been reviewed and endorsed by Cisco Systems for Cisco Networking Academy Program use.

The new release of the CompTIA A+ certification exam is expected in September 2003. For information on updated material covering the new exam objectives, visit www.ciscopress.com/ITEssentials.

Companion CD-ROM

This companion CD-ROM contains comprehensive exam questions, interactive e-Lab activities, high- resolution photographs, and video vignettes covering hardware and software installation.