Re: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]

2002-01-16 Thread Steven A. Ridder

I got my CCIE Practical Studies book via half.com yeaterday and I had the
same shipping problem.  I saved about $25 on the price of the book, but the
delivery took over 3 1/2 weeks!  I don't think there was even a stamp or
postmark on the media mail package, so I have no idea how it arrived
I'd just as soon pay Amazon's price and get normal shipping (plus my company
re-imburses me for all books I buy anyways).

The book looks pretty good, but some people have told me that the book is
still simple compared to the lab iteslf.  But all in all, it does give you a
blueprint of topics to study, then you can branch off in each subject for
more in-depth studies in other books, etc.

""Chuck Larrieu""  wrote in message
[EMAIL PROTECTED]">news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
> Just got my copy.
>
> Reading the "About the Authors" section alone is impressive. All those
> associated with the book are CCIE's. I look forward to discovering if
there
> are any errors in the book. One would hope not, given the credentials of
the
> writers and reviewers, one of whom was the Halifax Lab Proctor for several
> years.
>
> So far I have browsed all of the first chapter "The Key Components for
> Modeling an Internetwork"
>
> This chapter covers in good detail all those basic questions - the config
> register, configuring a router as a frame switch, password recovery, show
> and debug ( called "the big show" and "the big d" respectively, throughout
> the book. ) building a terminal server, and much much more. This alone
tells
> me that this book might be a good investment for those just starting out,
as
> well as those prepping for the CCIE Lab. Sure, all of this information is
> available elsewhere, but with this book, it is in one place, easily
located,
> and clearly explained.
>
> There is even a section about configuring networking on windoze computers.
> Considering the number of raw beginners who are coming into the
> certification process, this is helpful.
>
> I'll have more comments after I have had a chance to look at the "good"
> stuff.
>
> Chuck




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Re: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]

2002-01-16 Thread Brad Ellis

Chuck,

Check out my review of the book:  http://www.optsys.net/review.htm

Let me know your thoughts on it.  If you put a formal review together as
well, I can
add it to that web page.

thanks,
-Brad Ellis
CCIE#5796 (R&S / Security)
Network Learning Inc
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
used Cisco gear:  www.optsys.net
CCIE Labs, racks, and classes:  http://www.ccbootcamp.com/quicklinks.html
""Chuck Larrieu""  wrote in message
[EMAIL PROTECTED]">news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
> Just got my copy.
>
> Reading the "About the Authors" section alone is impressive. All those
> associated with the book are CCIE's. I look forward to discovering if
there
> are any errors in the book. One would hope not, given the credentials of
the
> writers and reviewers, one of whom was the Halifax Lab Proctor for several
> years.
>
> So far I have browsed all of the first chapter "The Key Components for
> Modeling an Internetwork"
>
> This chapter covers in good detail all those basic questions - the config
> register, configuring a router as a frame switch, password recovery, show
> and debug ( called "the big show" and "the big d" respectively, throughout
> the book. ) building a terminal server, and much much more. This alone
tells
> me that this book might be a good investment for those just starting out,
as
> well as those prepping for the CCIE Lab. Sure, all of this information is
> available elsewhere, but with this book, it is in one place, easily
located,
> and clearly explained.
>
> There is even a section about configuring networking on windoze computers.
> Considering the number of raw beginners who are coming into the
> certification process, this is helpful.
>
> I'll have more comments after I have had a chance to look at the "good"
> stuff.
>
> Chuck




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Re: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]

2002-01-16 Thread Kevin Wigle

hmmm.. don't know why you said that "I had the same shipping
problem..."

I didn't read that in Chuck's post.

However, on the same topic, I just got my copy yesterday.

I bought mine from Pearson Education for $48.75 with $7.00 shipping ordinary
mail to Canada.

It took 2 weeks which was fine with me.

Like Chuck I am immediately impressed by the authors/reviewers.  All told -
9 - CCIEs. I am just getting through chapter one but I have perused the
appendices and Chapter 18 (the timed labs). I'm excited with what "looks"
like is there.  Can't wait to devote more time to it.

Kevin Wigle


- Original Message -
From: "Steven A. Ridder" 
To: 
Sent: Wednesday, 16 January, 2002 20:43
Subject: Re: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]


> I got my CCIE Practical Studies book via half.com yeaterday and I had the
> same shipping problem.  I saved about $25 on the price of the book, but
the
> delivery took over 3 1/2 weeks!  I don't think there was even a stamp or
> postmark on the media mail package, so I have no idea how it arrived
> I'd just as soon pay Amazon's price and get normal shipping (plus my
company
> re-imburses me for all books I buy anyways).
>
> The book looks pretty good, but some people have told me that the book is
> still simple compared to the lab iteslf.  But all in all, it does give you
a
> blueprint of topics to study, then you can branch off in each subject for
> more in-depth studies in other books, etc.
>
> ""Chuck Larrieu""  wrote in message
> [EMAIL PROTECTED]">news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
> > Just got my copy.
> >
> > Reading the "About the Authors" section alone is impressive. All those
> > associated with the book are CCIE's. I look forward to discovering if
> there
> > are any errors in the book. One would hope not, given the credentials of
> the
> > writers and reviewers, one of whom was the Halifax Lab Proctor for
several
> > years.
> >
> > So far I have browsed all of the first chapter "The Key Components for
> > Modeling an Internetwork"
> >
> > This chapter covers in good detail all those basic questions - the
config
> > register, configuring a router as a frame switch, password recovery,
show
> > and debug ( called "the big show" and "the big d" respectively,
throughout
> > the book. ) building a terminal server, and much much more. This alone
> tells
> > me that this book might be a good investment for those just starting
out,
> as
> > well as those prepping for the CCIE Lab. Sure, all of this information
is
> > available elsewhere, but with this book, it is in one place, easily
> located,
> > and clearly explained.
> >
> > There is even a section about configuring networking on windoze
computers.
> > Considering the number of raw beginners who are coming into the
> > certification process, this is helpful.
> >
> > I'll have more comments after I have had a chance to look at the "good"
> > stuff.
> >
> > Chuck




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RE: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]

2002-01-17 Thread Thompson, Robert D

HI,

I received my copy last week, here in the UK. I was given a good review
before I bought the book (Thanks Brad Ellis). I am happy with the content of
the book and the LAB's at the end are well worth the price of the book (and
more). I have only found spelling mistakes (like form instead of from), but
I have not completed it yet. But, saying that, I am glad I was not asked to
author a book that would have such a wide audience and a list of reviewers
(all those that use groupstudy). Its a good book and I am waiting for
Practical Studies Vol 2. 

Impressed

Rob

> -Original Message-
> From: Kevin Wigle [SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
> Sent: 17 January 2002 02:32
> To:   [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Subject:  Re: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]
> 
> hmmm.. don't know why you said that "I had the same shipping
> problem..."
> 
> I didn't read that in Chuck's post.
> 
> However, on the same topic, I just got my copy yesterday.
> 
> I bought mine from Pearson Education for $48.75 with $7.00 shipping
> ordinary
> mail to Canada.
> 
> It took 2 weeks which was fine with me.
> 
> Like Chuck I am immediately impressed by the authors/reviewers.  All told
> -
> 9 - CCIEs. I am just getting through chapter one but I have perused the
> appendices and Chapter 18 (the timed labs). I'm excited with what "looks"
> like is there.  Can't wait to devote more time to it.
> 
> Kevin Wigle
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Steven A. Ridder" 
> To: 
> Sent: Wednesday, 16 January, 2002 20:43
> Subject: Re: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]
> 
> 
> > I got my CCIE Practical Studies book via half.com yeaterday and I had
> the
> > same shipping problem.  I saved about $25 on the price of the book, but
> the
> > delivery took over 3 1/2 weeks!  I don't think there was even a stamp or
> > postmark on the media mail package, so I have no idea how it arrived
> > I'd just as soon pay Amazon's price and get normal shipping (plus my
> company
> > re-imburses me for all books I buy anyways).
> >
> > The book looks pretty good, but some people have told me that the book
> is
> > still simple compared to the lab iteslf.  But all in all, it does give
> you
> a
> > blueprint of topics to study, then you can branch off in each subject
> for
> > more in-depth studies in other books, etc.
> >
> > ""Chuck Larrieu""  wrote in message
> > [EMAIL PROTECTED]">news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
> > > Just got my copy.
> > >
> > > Reading the "About the Authors" section alone is impressive. All those
> > > associated with the book are CCIE's. I look forward to discovering if
> > there
> > > are any errors in the book. One would hope not, given the credentials
> of
> > the
> > > writers and reviewers, one of whom was the Halifax Lab Proctor for
> several
> > > years.
> > >
> > > So far I have browsed all of the first chapter "The Key Components for
> > > Modeling an Internetwork"
> > >
> > > This chapter covers in good detail all those basic questions - the
> config
> > > register, configuring a router as a frame switch, password recovery,
> show
> > > and debug ( called "the big show" and "the big d" respectively,
> throughout
> > > the book. ) building a terminal server, and much much more. This alone
> > tells
> > > me that this book might be a good investment for those just starting
> out,
> > as
> > > well as those prepping for the CCIE Lab. Sure, all of this information
> is
> > > available elsewhere, but with this book, it is in one place, easily
> > located,
> > > and clearly explained.
> > >
> > > There is even a section about configuring networking on windoze
> computers.
> > > Considering the number of raw beginners who are coming into the
> > > certification process, this is helpful.
> > >
> > > I'll have more comments after I have had a chance to look at the
> "good"
> > > stuff.
> > >
> > > Chuck




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RE: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]

2002-01-17 Thread R. Benjamin Kessler

I have a couple of "nit-picky" complaints about the book (as I do about
almost every book I read).  There are some typo's as a previous poster
indicated.  One of my biggest pet peeves is the use of the term "continuous"
when the author (probably) means "contiguous" - one sees this most often
when discussing OSPF.  Note, this book isn't unique in this mis-use of the
term; there are many CCO documents that also make this "error."  I'm
assuming that this is the product of a spell-checker that didn't know the
term contiguous, suggested continuous and someone hit "replace all."  Before
the flame-war starts, I know that these two words have *similar* meanings
but in this case I - my personal opinion - think that contiguous is 'more
right' - besides, it's the term used in the RFC.

Since I'm picking nits; the author indicates that the OSPF process ID on a
router should be thought of "as an Autonomous System ID.  This number should
be the same on all routers within the autonomous system."  Per CCO, this is
a locally significant setting used only to distinguish between multiple OSPF
routing process on a particular router.  If we were to apply the RFC2119
definition of "should" to this statement one might think that certain
problems may occur if this practice wasn't followed.  I don't believe this
to be the case but I'm sure someone on the list will correct me if I'm
wrong.  There's nothing wrong with using the same process ID on all of your
OSPF routers; I would guess that networks are configured that way more often
than not; but isn't a requirement.  Given that the lab exam is all about
splitting hairs to the most minute detail and knowing the various protocols
in depth, it probably should have been noted (as in other texts) that two
adjacent routers can have different process IDs configured.

There are some outright mistakes in the book - I just checked the CiscoPress
site for an errata and didn't see one yet.  Here one that I recall off the
top of my head:

EIGRP - (p.691) at the bottom of the page, the 'distance' command.
- this is almost a direct copy/paste from the IGRP chapter; does not include
the required information to change the admin distance of the EIGRP routing
process (which requires both an internal and external distance); it only
lists the syntax to change the distance of a specific neighbor's updates.  I
find it funny that the EIGRP chapter says "For a specific example and more
practice with the 'distance' command, see" the IGRP chapter.  When you look
at the IGRP chapter, it uses the same sentence to point you to the RIP
chapter.

Anyone who has walked into an EIGRP network with multiple, unfiltered
redistribution points into a RIP domain will know first-hand the importance
of knowing how a router handles internal vs. external EIGRP routes.

Additionally, I thought the section on PPP authentication could have used
some more work on the one-way authentication options (both PAP and CHAP).

Bottom-line, this seems to be a well written book; it gives you some good
examples and labs to work on your own, etc.  It won't replace any of the
other "must haves" on the bookshelf (e.g. Doyle, Caslow, Thomas, etc.) and
unfortunately, (as it seems with all of the books published these days) you
have to play 'reporter' and verify the information in the book with some
other source (CCO, RFCs, other texts) - this is a topic I could rant on for
quite some time (considering the $thousands - literally - I've spent on
training materials which contain errors).

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2002 7:18 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: OT: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]


Just got my copy.

Reading the "About the Authors" section alone is impressive. All those
associated with the book are CCIE's. I look forward to discovering if there
are any errors in the book. One would hope not, given the credentials of the
writers and reviewers, one of whom was the Halifax Lab Proctor for several
years.

So far I have browsed all of the first chapter "The Key Components for
Modeling an Internetwork"

This chapter covers in good detail all those basic questions - the config
register, configuring a router as a frame switch, password recovery, show
and debug ( called "the big show" and "the big d" respectively, throughout
the book. ) building a terminal server, and much much more. This alone tells
me that this book might be a good investment for those just starting out, as
well as those prepping for the CCIE Lab. Sure, all of this information is
available elsewhere, but with this book, it is in one place, easily located,
and clearly explained.

There is even a section about configuring networking on windoze computers.
Considering the number of raw beginners who are coming into the
certification process, this is helpful.

I'll have more comments after I have had a chance to look at the "good"
stuff.

Chuck




Message Posted at:
http://www

RE: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]

2002-01-17 Thread John Neiberger

I have a similar impression of the book.  While it is very useful and
has lots of good information, it is littered with typos and minor errors
that you *should* be able to spot.  I'm hoping they'll get an errata
posted soon, but I wouldn't count on it happening too quickly.

>>> "R. Benjamin Kessler"  1/17/02 10:21:29
AM >>>
I have a couple of "nit-picky" complaints about the book (as I do
about
almost every book I read).  There are some typo's as a previous poster
indicated.  One of my biggest pet peeves is the use of the term
"continuous"
when the author (probably) means "contiguous" - one sees this most
often
when discussing OSPF.  Note, this book isn't unique in this mis-use of
the
term; there are many CCO documents that also make this "error."  I'm
assuming that this is the product of a spell-checker that didn't know
the
term contiguous, suggested continuous and someone hit "replace all." 
Before
the flame-war starts, I know that these two words have *similar*
meanings
but in this case I - my personal opinion - think that contiguous is
'more
right' - besides, it's the term used in the RFC.

Since I'm picking nits; the author indicates that the OSPF process ID
on a
router should be thought of "as an Autonomous System ID.  This number
should
be the same on all routers within the autonomous system."  Per CCO,
this is
a locally significant setting used only to distinguish between multiple
OSPF
routing process on a particular router.  If we were to apply the
RFC2119
definition of "should" to this statement one might think that certain
problems may occur if this practice wasn't followed.  I don't believe
this
to be the case but I'm sure someone on the list will correct me if I'm
wrong.  There's nothing wrong with using the same process ID on all of
your
OSPF routers; I would guess that networks are configured that way more
often
than not; but isn't a requirement.  Given that the lab exam is all
about
splitting hairs to the most minute detail and knowing the various
protocols
in depth, it probably should have been noted (as in other texts) that
two
adjacent routers can have different process IDs configured.

There are some outright mistakes in the book - I just checked the
CiscoPress
site for an errata and didn't see one yet.  Here one that I recall off
the
top of my head:

EIGRP - (p.691) at the bottom of the page, the 'distance' command.
- this is almost a direct copy/paste from the IGRP chapter; does not
include
the required information to change the admin distance of the EIGRP
routing
process (which requires both an internal and external distance); it
only
lists the syntax to change the distance of a specific neighbor's
updates.  I
find it funny that the EIGRP chapter says "For a specific example and
more
practice with the 'distance' command, see" the IGRP chapter.  When you
look
at the IGRP chapter, it uses the same sentence to point you to the RIP
chapter.

Anyone who has walked into an EIGRP network with multiple, unfiltered
redistribution points into a RIP domain will know first-hand the
importance
of knowing how a router handles internal vs. external EIGRP routes.

Additionally, I thought the section on PPP authentication could have
used
some more work on the one-way authentication options (both PAP and
CHAP).

Bottom-line, this seems to be a well written book; it gives you some
good
examples and labs to work on your own, etc.  It won't replace any of
the
other "must haves" on the bookshelf (e.g. Doyle, Caslow, Thomas, etc.)
and
unfortunately, (as it seems with all of the books published these days)
you
have to play 'reporter' and verify the information in the book with
some
other source (CCO, RFCs, other texts) - this is a topic I could rant on
for
quite some time (considering the $thousands - literally - I've spent
on
training materials which contain errors).

-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] 
Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2002 7:18 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 
Subject: OT: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]


Just got my copy.

Reading the "About the Authors" section alone is impressive. All those
associated with the book are CCIE's. I look forward to discovering if
there
are any errors in the book. One would hope not, given the credentials
of the
writers and reviewers, one of whom was the Halifax Lab Proctor for
several
years.

So far I have browsed all of the first chapter "The Key Components for
Modeling an Internetwork"

This chapter covers in good detail all those basic questions - the
config
register, configuring a router as a frame switch, password recovery,
show
and debug ( called "the big show" and "the big d" respectively,
throughout
the book. ) building a terminal server, and much much more. This alone
tells
me that this book might be a good investment for those just starting
out, as
well as those prepping for the CCIE Lab. Sure, all of this information
is
available elsewhere, but with this book, it is in one place, easily
loc

RE: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]

2002-01-17 Thread Priscilla Oppenheimer

At 12:21 PM 1/17/02, R. Benjamin Kessler wrote:
>I have a couple of "nit-picky" complaints about the book (as I do about
>almost every book I read).  There are some typo's as a previous poster
>indicated.  One of my biggest pet peeves is the use of the term "continuous"
>when the author (probably) means "contiguous" - one sees this most often
>when discussing OSPF.

That says that the author didn't look at the copy-edited material. New 
authors assume that publisher's copy editors have a clue. They don't. They 
apply rules for "fixing" words and sentences without any idea what they are 
doing.

This means that you will probably find other minor mistakes in the book 
too. Don't blame the author, although the author should have been more 
careful during the final phases of the book project.

Cisco Press copy editors once changed every case of Mbps to MByte in a 
book! In my book, in the index, they changed long fat network (LFN) to long 
file names. See RFC 1323 for the true meaning of elephant (LFN).

Thanks for your thorough review of the book.

Priscilla

>  Note, this book isn't unique in this mis-use of the
>term; there are many CCO documents that also make this "error."  I'm
>assuming that this is the product of a spell-checker that didn't know the
>term contiguous, suggested continuous and someone hit "replace all."  Before
>the flame-war starts, I know that these two words have *similar* meanings
>but in this case I - my personal opinion - think that contiguous is 'more
>right' - besides, it's the term used in the RFC.
>
>Since I'm picking nits; the author indicates that the OSPF process ID on a
>router should be thought of "as an Autonomous System ID.  This number should
>be the same on all routers within the autonomous system."  Per CCO, this is
>a locally significant setting used only to distinguish between multiple OSPF
>routing process on a particular router.  If we were to apply the RFC2119
>definition of "should" to this statement one might think that certain
>problems may occur if this practice wasn't followed.  I don't believe this
>to be the case but I'm sure someone on the list will correct me if I'm
>wrong.  There's nothing wrong with using the same process ID on all of your
>OSPF routers; I would guess that networks are configured that way more often
>than not; but isn't a requirement.  Given that the lab exam is all about
>splitting hairs to the most minute detail and knowing the various protocols
>in depth, it probably should have been noted (as in other texts) that two
>adjacent routers can have different process IDs configured.
>
>There are some outright mistakes in the book - I just checked the CiscoPress
>site for an errata and didn't see one yet.  Here one that I recall off the
>top of my head:
>
>EIGRP - (p.691) at the bottom of the page, the 'distance' command.
>- this is almost a direct copy/paste from the IGRP chapter; does not include
>the required information to change the admin distance of the EIGRP routing
>process (which requires both an internal and external distance); it only
>lists the syntax to change the distance of a specific neighbor's updates.  I
>find it funny that the EIGRP chapter says "For a specific example and more
>practice with the 'distance' command, see" the IGRP chapter.  When you look
>at the IGRP chapter, it uses the same sentence to point you to the RIP
>chapter.
>
>Anyone who has walked into an EIGRP network with multiple, unfiltered
>redistribution points into a RIP domain will know first-hand the importance
>of knowing how a router handles internal vs. external EIGRP routes.
>
>Additionally, I thought the section on PPP authentication could have used
>some more work on the one-way authentication options (both PAP and CHAP).
>
>Bottom-line, this seems to be a well written book; it gives you some good
>examples and labs to work on your own, etc.  It won't replace any of the
>other "must haves" on the bookshelf (e.g. Doyle, Caslow, Thomas, etc.) and
>unfortunately, (as it seems with all of the books published these days) you
>have to play 'reporter' and verify the information in the book with some
>other source (CCO, RFCs, other texts) - this is a topic I could rant on for
>quite some time (considering the $thousands - literally - I've spent on
>training materials which contain errors).
>
>-Original Message-
>From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
>Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2002 7:18 PM
>To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>Subject: OT: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]
>
>
>Just got my copy.
>
>Reading the "About the Authors" section alone is impressive. All those
>associated with the book are CCIE's. I look forward to discovering if there
>are any errors in the book. One would hope not, given the credentials of the
>writers and reviewers, one of whom was the Halifax Lab Proctor for several
>years.
>
>So far I have browsed all of the first chapter "The Key Components for
>Modeling an Internetwork"
>
>This chapter covers 

Re: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]

2002-01-17 Thread Chuck Larrieu

It may also be that copy editors think that because it is tech, that what
they see, although it does not make sense grammatically, does make sense to
other techies. For a tech review I am currently working on, I had to
specifically call the editor and tell him that the chapters were very poorly
written, had lots of poor sentence construction, not to mention bad grammar,
and that he should specifically be aware that the text made no sense no
matter who was reading it. Hmmm... come to think of it, I haven't heard from
those people lately. I wonder if they fired me? ;->

I suspect that in this mad rush to get tech books out the door, many of the
publishing houses are operating under the assumption that whatever a tech
writer writes is correct. Kinda like the emperor's new clothes? Can't be
understood by a fool?

Chuck


""Priscilla Oppenheimer""  wrote in message
[EMAIL PROTECTED]">news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
> At 12:21 PM 1/17/02, R. Benjamin Kessler wrote:
> >I have a couple of "nit-picky" complaints about the book (as I do about
> >almost every book I read).  There are some typo's as a previous poster
> >indicated.  One of my biggest pet peeves is the use of the term
"continuous"
> >when the author (probably) means "contiguous" - one sees this most often
> >when discussing OSPF.
>
> That says that the author didn't look at the copy-edited material. New
> authors assume that publisher's copy editors have a clue. They don't. They
> apply rules for "fixing" words and sentences without any idea what they
are
> doing.
>
> This means that you will probably find other minor mistakes in the book
> too. Don't blame the author, although the author should have been more
> careful during the final phases of the book project.
>
> Cisco Press copy editors once changed every case of Mbps to MByte in a
> book! In my book, in the index, they changed long fat network (LFN) to
long
> file names. See RFC 1323 for the true meaning of elephant (LFN).
>
> Thanks for your thorough review of the book.
>
> Priscilla
>
> >  Note, this book isn't unique in this mis-use of the
> >term; there are many CCO documents that also make this "error."  I'm
> >assuming that this is the product of a spell-checker that didn't know the
> >term contiguous, suggested continuous and someone hit "replace all."
Before
> >the flame-war starts, I know that these two words have *similar* meanings
> >but in this case I - my personal opinion - think that contiguous is 'more
> >right' - besides, it's the term used in the RFC.
> >
> >Since I'm picking nits; the author indicates that the OSPF process ID on
a
> >router should be thought of "as an Autonomous System ID.  This number
should
> >be the same on all routers within the autonomous system."  Per CCO, this
is
> >a locally significant setting used only to distinguish between multiple
OSPF
> >routing process on a particular router.  If we were to apply the RFC2119
> >definition of "should" to this statement one might think that certain
> >problems may occur if this practice wasn't followed.  I don't believe
this
> >to be the case but I'm sure someone on the list will correct me if I'm
> >wrong.  There's nothing wrong with using the same process ID on all of
your
> >OSPF routers; I would guess that networks are configured that way more
often
> >than not; but isn't a requirement.  Given that the lab exam is all about
> >splitting hairs to the most minute detail and knowing the various
protocols
> >in depth, it probably should have been noted (as in other texts) that two
> >adjacent routers can have different process IDs configured.
> >
> >There are some outright mistakes in the book - I just checked the
CiscoPress
> >site for an errata and didn't see one yet.  Here one that I recall off
the
> >top of my head:
> >
> >EIGRP - (p.691) at the bottom of the page, the 'distance' command.
> >- this is almost a direct copy/paste from the IGRP chapter; does not
include
> >the required information to change the admin distance of the EIGRP
routing
> >process (which requires both an internal and external distance); it only
> >lists the syntax to change the distance of a specific neighbor's updates.
I
> >find it funny that the EIGRP chapter says "For a specific example and
more
> >practice with the 'distance' command, see" the IGRP chapter.  When you
look
> >at the IGRP chapter, it uses the same sentence to point you to the RIP
> >chapter.
> >
> >Anyone who has walked into an EIGRP network with multiple, unfiltered
> >redistribution points into a RIP domain will know first-hand the
importance
> >of knowing how a router handles internal vs. external EIGRP routes.
> >
> >Additionally, I thought the section on PPP authentication could have used
> >some more work on the one-way authentication options (both PAP and CHAP).
> >
> >Bottom-line, this seems to be a well written book; it gives you some good
> >examples and labs to work on your own, etc.  It won't replace any of the
> >other "must haves" on the bookshelf (e.g. Doyle, 

Re: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]

2002-01-17 Thread Priscilla Oppenheimer

Some publishers (including Cisco Press) have authors work with a 
development editor during the writing of the book. This is especially 
important for new writers or engineers who don't have very good writing 
skills. Cisco Press also has the writer work with technical reviewers as 
the writing is progressing.

I realize I was critical of Cisco Press copy editing in my previous 
message, but, in general, their books are much better than the competition 
because they work in this mode (with development editors and technical 
reviewers).

Some publishers, such as Wiley, won't let an author in the door unless the 
author has proven writing skills and technical expertise. That method works 
also.

And then there are the publishers that just want to push content out there 
and start collecting s as quickly as possible. Their stuff tends to 
suck. ;-)

Priscilla

At 04:02 PM 1/17/02, Chuck Larrieu wrote:
>It may also be that copy editors think that because it is tech, that what
>they see, although it does not make sense grammatically, does make sense to
>other techies. For a tech review I am currently working on, I had to
>specifically call the editor and tell him that the chapters were very poorly
>written, had lots of poor sentence construction, not to mention bad grammar,
>and that he should specifically be aware that the text made no sense no
>matter who was reading it. Hmmm... come to think of it, I haven't heard from
>those people lately. I wonder if they fired me? ;->
>
>I suspect that in this mad rush to get tech books out the door, many of the
>publishing houses are operating under the assumption that whatever a tech
>writer writes is correct. Kinda like the emperor's new clothes? Can't be
>understood by a fool?
>
>Chuck
>
>
>""Priscilla Oppenheimer""  wrote in message
>[EMAIL PROTECTED]">news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
> > At 12:21 PM 1/17/02, R. Benjamin Kessler wrote:
> > >I have a couple of "nit-picky" complaints about the book (as I do about
> > >almost every book I read).  There are some typo's as a previous poster
> > >indicated.  One of my biggest pet peeves is the use of the term
>"continuous"
> > >when the author (probably) means "contiguous" - one sees this most often
> > >when discussing OSPF.
> >
> > That says that the author didn't look at the copy-edited material. New
> > authors assume that publisher's copy editors have a clue. They don't.
They
> > apply rules for "fixing" words and sentences without any idea what they
>are
> > doing.
> >
> > This means that you will probably find other minor mistakes in the book
> > too. Don't blame the author, although the author should have been more
> > careful during the final phases of the book project.
> >
> > Cisco Press copy editors once changed every case of Mbps to MByte in a
> > book! In my book, in the index, they changed long fat network (LFN) to
>long
> > file names. See RFC 1323 for the true meaning of elephant (LFN).
> >
> > Thanks for your thorough review of the book.
> >
> > Priscilla
> >
> > >  Note, this book isn't unique in this mis-use of the
> > >term; there are many CCO documents that also make this "error."  I'm
> > >assuming that this is the product of a spell-checker that didn't know
the
> > >term contiguous, suggested continuous and someone hit "replace all."
>Before
> > >the flame-war starts, I know that these two words have *similar*
meanings
> > >but in this case I - my personal opinion - think that contiguous is
'more
> > >right' - besides, it's the term used in the RFC.
> > >
> > >Since I'm picking nits; the author indicates that the OSPF process ID on
>a
> > >router should be thought of "as an Autonomous System ID.  This number
>should
> > >be the same on all routers within the autonomous system."  Per CCO, this
>is
> > >a locally significant setting used only to distinguish between multiple
>OSPF
> > >routing process on a particular router.  If we were to apply the RFC2119
> > >definition of "should" to this statement one might think that certain
> > >problems may occur if this practice wasn't followed.  I don't believe
>this
> > >to be the case but I'm sure someone on the list will correct me if I'm
> > >wrong.  There's nothing wrong with using the same process ID on all of
>your
> > >OSPF routers; I would guess that networks are configured that way more
>often
> > >than not; but isn't a requirement.  Given that the lab exam is all about
> > >splitting hairs to the most minute detail and knowing the various
>protocols
> > >in depth, it probably should have been noted (as in other texts) that
two
> > >adjacent routers can have different process IDs configured.
> > >
> > >There are some outright mistakes in the book - I just checked the
>CiscoPress
> > >site for an errata and didn't see one yet.  Here one that I recall off
>the
> > >top of my head:
> > >
> > >EIGRP - (p.691) at the bottom of the page, the 'distance' command.
> > >- this is almost a direct copy/paste from the IGRP chapter; does not
>include
> > >the requi

Re: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]

2002-01-17 Thread Howard C. Berkowitz

>Some publishers (including Cisco Press) have authors work with a
>development editor during the writing of the book. This is especially
>important for new writers or engineers who don't have very good writing
>skills. Cisco Press also has the writer work with technical reviewers as
>the writing is progressing.

Macmillan Technical Publishing, sister organization of Cisco Press, 
also uses development editors. In my case, it was an awful 
experience. The development editor constantly tried to rephrase 
things in a manner that changed meaning, even when the reviewers told 
her I was correct.

I believe Cisco Press now has the option of working with, or not 
working with, a development editor.

If the relationship can develop over time, it can also work out that 
authors with similar writing styles can trade reviews. I've done this 
with Galina Pildush and Jeff Doyle, variously at the chapter and book 
level.

For people interested in eventually writing books, contacting the 
publishers and getting on the list of reviewers can be an excellent 
introduction to the process.

>
>I realize I was critical of Cisco Press copy editing in my previous
>message, but, in general, their books are much better than the competition
>because they work in this mode (with development editors and technical
>reviewers).
>
>Some publishers, such as Wiley, won't let an author in the door unless the
>author has proven writing skills and technical expertise. That method works
>also.

Wiley uses fewer technical reviewers than Macmillan, but they aren't 
the same kind of configuration-oriented books. The reviewer (an 
"advisor" when a Networking Council member) is more of a sounding 
board.   Scott Bradner did this for my first Wiley book.  For my 
second, Lyman Chapin started out as advisor but changed jobs and was 
unable to continue.  Annlee Hines took over and was a tremendous help.

I hadn't realized the proved writing, but I've been extremely happy 
working with Wiley. Since I'm going through copy edit on the new book 
(to ship in early April), I have to share something that had me in 
hysterics.

In the book, I have a number of "running case studies."  One is about 
a law firm, which I named "Huffle, Puffle, and Cetera."  The copy 
editor carefully changed every reference to "Huffle, Puffle, etc." 
The managing editor giggled and put it back.

>
>And then there are the publishers that just want to push content out there
>and start collecting s as quickly as possible. Their stuff tends to
>suck. ;-)
>
>Priscilla
>
>At 04:02 PM 1/17/02, Chuck Larrieu wrote:
>>It may also be that copy editors think that because it is tech, that what
>>they see, although it does not make sense grammatically, does make sense to
>>other techies. For a tech review I am currently working on, I had to
>>specifically call the editor and tell him that the chapters were very
poorly
>>written, had lots of poor sentence construction, not to mention bad
grammar,
>>and that he should specifically be aware that the text made no sense no
>>matter who was reading it. Hmmm... come to think of it, I haven't heard
from
>>those people lately. I wonder if they fired me? ;->
>>
>>I suspect that in this mad rush to get tech books out the door, many of the
>>publishing houses are operating under the assumption that whatever a tech
>>writer writes is correct. Kinda like the emperor's new clothes? Can't be
>>understood by a fool?
>>
>>Chuck
>>
>>
>>""Priscilla Oppenheimer""  wrote in message
>>[EMAIL PROTECTED]">news:[EMAIL PROTECTED]...
>>  > At 12:21 PM 1/17/02, R. Benjamin Kessler wrote:
>>  > >I have a couple of "nit-picky" complaints about the book (as I do
about
>>  > >almost every book I read).  There are some typo's as a previous poster
>>  > >indicated.  One of my biggest pet peeves is the use of the term
>>"continuous"
>>  > >when the author (probably) means "contiguous" - one sees this most
often
>>  > >when discussing OSPF.
>>  >
>>  > That says that the author didn't look at the copy-edited material. New
>  > > authors assume that publisher's copy editors have a clue. They don't.
>They
>>  > apply rules for "fixing" words and sentences without any idea what they
>>are
>>  > doing.
>>  >
>>  > This means that you will probably find other minor mistakes in the book
>>  > too. Don't blame the author, although the author should have been more
>>  > careful during the final phases of the book project.
>>  >
>>  > Cisco Press copy editors once changed every case of Mbps to MByte in a
>>  > book! In my book, in the index, they changed long fat network (LFN) to
>>long
>>  > file names. See RFC 1323 for the true meaning of elephant (LFN).
>>  >
>>  > Thanks for your thorough review of the book.
>>  >
>>  > Priscilla
>>  >
>>  > >  Note, this book isn't unique in this mis-use of the
>>  > >term; there are many CCO documents that also make this "error."  I'm
>>  > >assuming that this is the product of a spell-checker that didn't know
>the
>>  > >term contiguous, su

Re: First Impressions - CCIE Practical Studies [7:32237]

2002-01-17 Thread Dr Rita Puzmanova

I must join the discussion and add some of my most recent experience
here with Addison Wesley ;-) They used their external reviewer and I
must say they chose him very well. I am sure I would not be able to do
such a thorough review he did. Of course, I had quite a few peer
(voluntary) reviewers which concentrated on their relevant parts only.
However, these were the superb technical experts but without much
writing experience.

(Contrary to Howard, I think the good technical reviewer/editor should
already have some books published to realize both that writing is hard
work and that getting this work thoroughly reviewed is crucial). 

As for editors that is another story: I had one who did all the editing
in one go. Not very funny thing was that although I supplied him
immediately with replies to his queries after every set of pages he did,
he did not look at them until after he reached almost the end of book!
Which, as you may easily imagine, meant that he made consistent changes
where they were not necessary or plain wrong.

One mistake I will never do again is to rely that the editor will make
any formatting consistent throughout the text. No, you have to do it
despite of the fact that the final product will use something very
different to what you suggested, but close to wished consistency, at
least.

But all technical and editing comments you get in the process are piece
of cake compared to proofreading of your own text (!) having gone
through the complex publishing house mill ... at the time you would
really like to relax, eventually.

Rita

"Howard C. Berkowitz" wrote:
> 
> >Some publishers (including Cisco Press) have authors work with a
> >development editor during the writing of the book. This is especially
> >important for new writers or engineers who don't have very good writing
> >skills. Cisco Press also has the writer work with technical reviewers as
> >the writing is progressing.
> 
> Macmillan Technical Publishing, sister organization of Cisco Press,
> also uses development editors. In my case, it was an awful
> experience. The development editor constantly tried to rephrase
> things in a manner that changed meaning, even when the reviewers told
> her I was correct.
> 
> I believe Cisco Press now has the option of working with, or not
> working with, a development editor.
> 
> If the relationship can develop over time, it can also work out that
> authors with similar writing styles can trade reviews. I've done this
> with Galina Pildush and Jeff Doyle, variously at the chapter and book
> level.
> 
> For people interested in eventually writing books, contacting the
> publishers and getting on the list of reviewers can be an excellent
> introduction to the process.
> 
> >
> >I realize I was critical of Cisco Press copy editing in my previous
> >message, but, in general, their books are much better than the competition
> >because they work in this mode (with development editors and technical
> >reviewers).
> >
> >Some publishers, such as Wiley, won't let an author in the door unless the
> >author has proven writing skills and technical expertise. That method
works
> >also.
> 
> Wiley uses fewer technical reviewers than Macmillan, but they aren't
> the same kind of configuration-oriented books. The reviewer (an
> "advisor" when a Networking Council member) is more of a sounding
> board.   Scott Bradner did this for my first Wiley book.  For my
> second, Lyman Chapin started out as advisor but changed jobs and was
> unable to continue.  Annlee Hines took over and was a tremendous help.
> 
> I hadn't realized the proved writing, but I've been extremely happy
> working with Wiley. Since I'm going through copy edit on the new book
> (to ship in early April), I have to share something that had me in
> hysterics.
> 
> In the book, I have a number of "running case studies."  One is about
> a law firm, which I named "Huffle, Puffle, and Cetera."  The copy
> editor carefully changed every reference to "Huffle, Puffle, etc."
> The managing editor giggled and put it back.
> 
> >
> >And then there are the publishers that just want to push content out there
> >and start collecting s as quickly as possible. Their stuff tends to
> >suck. ;-)
> >
> >Priscilla
> >
> >At 04:02 PM 1/17/02, Chuck Larrieu wrote:
> >>It may also be that copy editors think that because it is tech, that what
> >>they see, although it does not make sense grammatically, does make sense
to
> >>other techies. For a tech review I am currently working on, I had to
> >>specifically call the editor and tell him that the chapters were very
> poorly
> >>written, had lots of poor sentence construction, not to mention bad
> grammar,
> >>and that he should specifically be aware that the text made no sense no
> >>matter who was reading it. Hmmm... come to think of it, I haven't heard
> from
> >>those people lately. I wonder if they fired me? ;->
> >>
> >>I suspect that in this mad rush to get tech books out the door, many of
the
> >>publishing