I'll give this book credit for the fact it is easy to read but that's about it. I had thought the Cisco Press book was lacking until I read this one. It's a decent book on switching but I didn't find it very useful for passing the CCNP switching exam. I would recommend the Cisco Press and the Todd Lammle books. Reading the two of them will surely prepare anybody for the exam. The McGraw Hill book just doesn't have the depth and isn't very accurate. I also noted that the technical editor is a CCNA/DA. I find it hard to believe that a technical editor can provide much insite on a study guide for a certification that is beyond what he has. Spend your money on Todd Lammle's and Karen Webb's books and let this dog lie.

I was pleased to have passed the BCMSN exam using only this book. Trying to pass cheaply, I only wanted to buy one book. I was not dissapointed. There are a few errors in the text; however, it was apparent those were typos. The CDROM included with the book is badly broken. Other have mentioned the RIP = Rest In Peace problem, that was a clue. I took the clue and started searching. www.osborne.com, under downloads, has the Errata and fix for the CDROM!

The text explains all the networking basics and builds up from there. The configuration examples assumes you know the basics (i.e. have passed the CCNA or have related hands-on experience).

The book was missing a section that defines all the icons and conventions used; however, a CCNA or cisco web site user will have no trouble.

This is a great teaching(learning) book. Very few books get the point across as well as this one does. Aside from keeping your interest, as the book progressed from fundamentals to the later advanced chapters, I felt I was learning throughout the entire book. One of the best attributes of this book are the case studies. Each one builds upon the last until you have built and programmed a complex campus network. I was delighted as the lights went on with each progressive insight. I was less than happy with the CD and the answers to the study questions, and feel sorry for the authors as the editing staff did a poor job of catching mistakes. There is an errata sheet on the publisher's website, and it did address the errors. I am told a second edition will address these issues. By the way, I passed the exam first try with a 792. Not my greatest score, but also not squeaking by either. I recommend this book despite the errors.