As with every other IT professional I know, I have difficulty finding the time to read every technical book that I would like, and have a fast growing backlog of material to read. Because of this, I expect the material I read to be succinct and on topic. I had a need to obtain my CNE credential due to its relevance to my present job assignment, and since this is Novell's official study guide, I opted to use this book for study... Needless to say, I was disappointed.
While providing bare minimal coverage of each certification objective, I found that the book could probably be reduced by 1/2 and be just as effective. Scattered throughout the book are brainteasers that have absolutely no relevance to the study material. Additionally there is a long dissertation on the author's fictitious organization ACME and its business practices that I doubt anyone who has purchased this book has even thought of reading. Finally each chapter has lead-in and summary paragraphs with commentary that made me feel embarrassed for the author.
Please Mr. Clarke, leave the commentary, brainteasers and other non-essentials out of your study guides. I appreciate you trying to make these topics interesting, but I feel there are better ways.
