If you are really committed to earning your CCNA certification, you are indeed certifiable. My advice is to use the study tool or tools that best suit your study habits and the time available. Don’t be too cocky or overly confident about this test. Even if you’ve worked with networks, routers, switches, and the Internet most of your adult live, you probably haven’t had the opportunity to work with every type of network in every situation. If you have, you can probably skip this test and go straight to the CCIE exams. But, some review can’t hurt. Remember that the exam includes questions about commonly used terminology, practices, components, and protocols, along with questions about little known facts on obscure services, devices or activities an obvious attempt to separate the truly worthy from the pretenders. When you request a test date from the nice helpers at Sylvan Prometric, give yourself time to study, if only for a couple of days. At the price of this test, you can probably afford the time much more than the cost of retaking the test or the humiliation that will surely be heaped on you by your coworkers and alleged friends should you not pass.
The other emphasis on the CCNA exam, beyond routing, is switching. One of the major emphasis areas of this section of the exam is LAN segmentation, including its benefits and how it is accomplished with routers, bridges, and switches.
This section of the CCNA exam is concerned with passwords, encryption, and access lists implemented on the router, including how access lists are configured and operate under either IP or IPX protocol suites.
You must know the difference between a routed protocol and a routing protocol, including some examples and configuration methods. Internetworking issues are also included in this portion of the exam.
Cisco routers must be able to interface with network protocols to properly interact with a network. On the CCNA exam, Ethernet and TCP/IP protocols are the primary focus reflecting the most popular network architectures in use in the real world. You need to know which network protocols are used on which layers of the OSI model and when and how the IP and IPX protocol suites are applied.
The commands used to configure and monitor router activities play a key part in the everyday life of a CCNA. For that reason, the CCNA exam includes a number of questions on the configuration modes used for the various commands and the methods and sources used to load and back up the IOS software and the router’s configuration.
Routers are more often used to connect local area networks (LANs) to other networks than as an interior device on a single network. Because of this, the protocols used to carry data and control signals over wide area networks also have an emphasis on the CCNA exam. This part of the test focuses on Frame Relay, X.25, and point to point protocols, along with ISDN services.
A major part of the CCNA exam focuses on your knowledge of the OSI Reference Model and its seven layer approach to network activities, functions, data formats, and communications. Of course, there is more emphasis in those layers of the model that deal with routing and routers, but every layer in the reference model is included on the exam. As you prepare for the exam, be sure this is an area you know and understand in detail.
You’ve decided you want to become CCNA certified and let the world know how much you know about local area networks, wide area networks, routing, switching, the OSI Model, TCP/IP, and internetworking. So where do you start? In this part of the book, we give you the particulars about the test, how to schedule the test, where to go, and what to do. The CCNA exam covers just about everything you need to know about setting up, configuring, installing, administering, and maintaining a network using Cisco hardware and software. You won’t find questions on general computing and technical basics, however; you know the bits and bytes and how data moves over wires and between computers. The CCNA exam makes the assumption that if you don’t already know this stuff, you won’t understand most of the questions on the test to begin with, so why bother? However, you had better know the ins and outs of configuring a router and connecting it into a network. The CCNA exams are strictly pass or fail. If you get 755 of the total 1000 points possible, you pass. If you don’t, well, you don’t. It’s that simple. Let us be your guide on what you should study for the test. And, oh yes, best of luck!
The cost of the CCNA exam is $100 (U.S. dollars) in the United States and Canada. The cost ranges from $150 (USD) to $300 (USD) in other countries. Sylvan Prometric accepts all generally accepted credit cards, but you can make other payment arrangements with them if needed, but before you can take the test, you must be paid in full.
The CCNA examination is conducted by Sylvan Prometric testing centers in more than 700 locations worldwide. To schedule an appointment to take the test in the United States or Canada, call Sylvan Prometric at 1−800−829−NETS (1−800−829−6387). You can also register online on the Sylvan Prometrics Web site at www.2test.com. For information on registering to take the CCNA exam in a country outside the United States or Canada, visit www.2test.com. Be sure to mention that you want to take the Cisco CCNA 1.0, exam #640−407. Call at least two days before your desired test date, and the friendly and knowledgeable testing counselor will help you set a date, time, and location that's convenient for you. The test is not given at specific times or dates. You pick the date, time, and place. Some testing sites aren't available every day of the week, or even every month of the year, and some offer testing during only certain hours of the day. So the earlier you contact them, the better. I recommend calling Sylvan Prometric as soon as you think you are entering the final stages of your exam preparation. Sylvan Prometric helps you find a testing center near your home or in the vacation spot you want to visit. When you schedule your test, you must either give them your credit card information or you can mail them a check or money order (not a great option if you are in a hurry), but they won't confirm your test date until after they receive the check.
The exam is online and interactive. It's well designed and provides you with every possible opportunity to pass. Questions are presented one at a time on the screen in an easy to read format with online help always available as you navigate the exam. Unfortunately, there is no subject matter help available on the test. The exam doesn't exactly set out to trick you, but some questions include false information just to see if you really know your stuff. Contrary to what you may have heard or believe about this exam, Cisco wants you to pass the CCNA exam, but only if you have the knowledge required. One new wrinkle on the CCNA that was implemented late in 1999 is that after you have answered a question, you cannot go back to review it. In fact, the questions aren't numbered, other than which number of the total 79 to 81 questions each one represents. So, answer each question carefully and don t click the Next button until you're sure of your answer(s). To become CCNA certified, you need to get at least a 75.5% on the CCNA examination. Actually, the CCNA is scored on a point system, and you need to get 755 of the 1,000 points available, or you need to get roughly 60 or 61 of the 79 to 81 questions correct. Or, to look at it another way, you can miss, incorrectly interpret, misconstrue, or choke on no more than 20 questions if you want to pass. You have 90 minutes to complete the test, which allows you plenty of time to work through the entire test as well as review your answers. However, you also must understand that when time is up, the test is over! Bam, zoom, no last minute guesses is over; done; fine! So, watch the time carefully. Tip one other thing about taking the test. The physical setup of the testing facility varies from site to site. You find test centers in training companies, community colleges, universities, and the like. Regardless of how the testing center is organized, you are assigned to a single specific computer workstation to take the test. You are not allowed to take breaks, talk to anyone, or get up and move around. Many test centers have open microphones and video cameras in the room to monitor the test takers. This is intended to prevent somebody from cheating or disturbing other test takers. As strict as this sound, your best bet is to forget about it and plan on sitting at your workstation for the duration, quietly taking your exam. Just watch how much coffee you drink right before the test!
That's a good question. And just where CCNA fits into the mix of certifications and resume alphabet soup is another good question. One thing for certain is that certification of any kind is fast becoming the minimum requirement for nearly all IT and Internet related jobs, and it's not unusual for a network administration job to list the CCNA as a minimum requirement. Cisco Systems views CCNA as an excellent entry-level certification that should qualify the holder for a position as a networking technician on a routed or switched network.
Is CCNA better than Network+, or any of the MCSE certifications? It isn't necessarily better, and, in fact, it may be harder, but it's really just different. CCNA certification says something completely different about its holder than any of the other certifications, but then that's the point. The networking world is well aware of the CCNA exam and it's a widely recognized and respected certification.
The CNA (Cisco Networking Academy) program is a partnership developed by Cisco with high schools, community colleges, and colleges and universities around the world to provide a head start program to high school and college level students toward certifications. The current academy program consists of four semesters that prepare students through a series of online and hands-on lessons and labs with the skills and knowledge they need to pass the CCNA exam. If you are new to Cisco networking, you may want to investigate whether this program is available in your area. If you are a graduate of a local networking academy, you know first hand about the fine quality of this forward looking program and its curriculum.
The CCNA certification is only one of several career certifications sponsored by Cisco Systems, Inc. Depending on the track, network support or network design, CCNA may be the first or second step on the certification track. The ultimate goal of anyone getting Cisco certification should be the CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Engineer) certification. This is the ultimate badge of honor in networking. But, because of the rigor of the CCIE exam, which draws equally on real-world, hands-on experience and the technical specifications of the gamut of Cisco Systems' hardware and software, you should work your way up to it. Without getting too confusing, there are two tracks for Cisco certification: Routing and Switching and WAN Switching. As a matter of fact, there's a new CCNA exam just for WAN switching. It is called CCNA'WAN Switching. The CCNA test that this book is focused on is Cisco CCNA exam 1.0, test number 640−107, which is strictly a routing and switching test, but it can be used for either the network support or the network design tracks. In the network support specialization, the focus is on installation, configuration, and operation of routed and switched networks. These are networks that use LAN and WAN routing and switching. The test sequence used in this specialization starts with the CCNA exam, moves on to the CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), and finally, the CCIE exam. In the network design specialization, the focus shifts to the design of networks at the component level to perform simple and complex network routing and switching. The test sequence for the network design emphasis starts with the CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate), proceeds to the CCNA, and finally to the CCDP (Cisco Certified Design Professional). So, depending on your ultimate goal, whether it be a designer of highly technical networks or as a builder of the same, the CCNA is a key step in either career path.
Cisco s target audience includes: - The technical support staff of their resale channel partners. - Working networking professionals. - Graduates of the Cisco Regional and Local Networking Academy program - Someone trying to break into the networking field.
The CCNA (Certified Cisco Networking Associate) exam fulfills only one step along the Cisco Network Support certification track, which is designed for professionals working directly with Cisco−based networks.
This certification focuses on LAN and WAN routers and LAN switches. Earning CCNA certification tells the world, and more importantly employers, that you are able to:
- Configure and implement networks to improve such operational areas as bandwidth, response times, reliability, and quality of service - Configure and implement simple routed and switched networks - Make improvements to networks that improve performance and provide for increased network security - Configure and install an intranet locally or globally - Analyze a variety of network performance issues and suggest appropriate application oriented solutions.
Cisco Systems, Inc. sponsors a complete hierarchy of career certifications that center on its routing, switching, LAN, and WAN products. Because Cisco Systems is the leading internetworking company in the world, it's only natural that certification on its equipment and software is a valuable credential for a networking professional.
You've decided you want to become CCNA certified and let the world know how much you know about local area networks, wide area networks, routing, switching, the OSI Model, TCP/IP, and internetworking. So where do you start? In this part of the book, we give you the particulars about the test, how to schedule the test, where to go, and what to do. The CCNA exam covers just about everything you need to know about setting up, configuring, installing, administering, and maintaining a network using Cisco hardware and software. You wont find questions on general computing and technical basics, however; you know the bits and bytes and how data moves over wires and between computers. The CCNA exam makes the assumption that if you dont already know this stuff, you won't understand most of the questions on the test to begin with, so why bother? However, you had better know the ins and outs of configuring a router and connecting it into a network. The CCNA exams are strictly pass−fail. If you get 755 of the total 1000 points possible, you pass. If you don't, well, you don't. It's that simple. Let us be your guide on what you should study for the test. And, oh yes , best of luck!
In this tutorial you will learn how to crack any type of software protection using W32Dasm and HIEW.
IDENTIFYING THE PROTECTION: Run the program, game, etc., (SoftwareX) that you want to crack without the CD in the CD reader. SoftwareX will not run of course, however, when the error window pops up it will give you all of the vital information that you need to crack the program, so be sure to write down what it says. CRACKING THE PROTECTION: Now, run Win32Dasm. On the file menu open DISASSEMBLER > OPEN FILE TO DISASSEMBLE. Select SoftwareX’s executable file in the popup window that will appear (e.g. SoftwareX.exe). W32Dasm may take several minutes to disassemble the file.
When W32Dasm finishes disassembling the file it will display unrecognizable text; this is what we want. Click on the String Data References button. Scroll through the String Data Items until you find SoftwareX’s error message. When you locate it, double click the error message and then close the window to return to the Win32Dasm text. You will notice that you have been moved somewhere within the SoftwareX’s check routine; this is where the error message in generated.
Now comes the difficult part, so be careful. To crack SoftwareX’s protection you must know the @offset of every call and jump command. Write down every call and jump @offset number that you see (You have to be sure, that the OPBAR change its used color to green). You need the number behind the @offset without the “h.”
Now open HIEW, locate SoftwareX’s executable, and press the F4 key. At this point a popup window will appear with 3 options: Text, Hex, and Decode. Click on “Decode” to see a list of numbers. Now press the F5 key and enter the number that was extracted using Win32Dasm. After you have entered the number you will be taken to SoftwareX’s check routine within HIEW.
To continue you must understand this paragraph. If the command that you are taken to is E92BF9BF74, for example, it means that the command equals 5 bytes. Every 2 digits equal one byte: E9-2B-F9-BF-74 => 10 digits => 5 bytes. If you understood this then you can continue.
Press F3 (Edit), this will allow you to edit the 10 digits. Replace the 5 bytes with the digits 90. In other words, E92BF9BF74 will become 9090909090 (90-90-90-90-90). After you complete this step press the F10 key to exit.
Congratulations! You just cracked SoftwareX!
Don’t panic if SoftwareX will not run after you finished cracking it. It only means that something was done incorrectly, or perhaps SoftwareX’s protection technology has been improved or created after this tutorial. Simply reinstall SoftwareX and start over. If you’re sure that you completed all steps correctly and the program still will not run, then tough nuts. Their protection was developed after the writing of this tutorial.
