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Linux+ v8 guide from Sybex: skips a whole objective

jasoneckert
Tess Sluijter said:
As I'm going through the book, to match reading materials to my classes, I notice more oversights.

SysV init was removed from the objectives in version XK0-005. Bresnahan and Blum left all the SysV contents from the 004 book in place and didn't remove it. The 006 still has it, even if SysV init hasn't been on the objectives for years now.

Similarly, localization options were removed from the 006 objectives, but the book still has them.

I'm not too happy about this new book's quality.

Honestly @jasoneckert , I'd love to use your book with my students but I just can't justify doubling the study book budget. I once bought your 5th or 6th edition book to check it out and I mostly loved it. But pricewise it's almost 1.5x the Sybex book, which is hard to pay for my non-profit, non-accredited customer.

Maybe I can still win them over... when's the new book coming? I also wonder if McGraw-Hill and Pearson are coming with new books, because I'm getting close to switching away from Sybex.
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You might also consider using the CompTIA CertMaster materials, complemented by the custom lab resources I developed for the Linux+ TTT session.
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Theory vs. Labs: Which One Do You Never Skip?

mohammed khati
BrianFord said:
Interesting question. You mentioned both A+ and Network+ which are foundational level courses. For those courses I believe that the exams are more theory (a better description might be protocol or standards) based and I present my material based on that. Why? Because the exams ask multiple choice questions based on simulated real-world environments. These exams don't use virtual environments, where students have to demonstrate knowledge of commands. I always tell my students about labs that are offered and I specifically tell them why I think that lab is important and what knowledge they should gain completing that lab. I offer them support if they encounter issues completing the lab. That said I don't ask 'who completed this lab' because nothing good comes out of that sort of query. It's like asking the class who didn't study for two hours the night before; some students study for 30 minutes and sail through the exam while others study 3-4 hours per evening and fail. We can lead students to knowledge but we can't force them to use it.
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That makes a lot of sense. I agree, theory is the backbone of these exams, and the way you link labs to the knowledge students should gain is really helpful. I like the part where you said we can lead students to knowledge but not force them very true !
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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

BrianFord
Please be aware that October is Cybersecurity Awareness month. There are many different cybersecurity organizations that recognize and offer additional educational resources around this designation. One such are the folks at StaySafeOnline:

https://www.staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month

They offered an online event on October 1, 2025. You can watch the recording at the link above. Their messaging for this year is that small actions can make a big difference. They have focusing on the Core 4. Four easy steps anyone can take to boost their online safety:
  • Use strong passwords and a password manager
  • Turn on multifactor authentication
  • Recognize and report scams
  • Update your software
As instructors I encourage everyone to help spread messaging about the 'Core 4' and talk about how students can use these and more advanced techniques as well as how they can spread the word about improving cybersecurity.
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Reactions: imsrj.cse, Abu Afza, maykin and 5 others

Theory vs. Labs: Which One Do You Never Skip?

BrianFord
Interesting question. You mentioned both A+ and Network+ which are foundational level courses. For those courses I believe that the exams are more theory (a better description might be protocol or standards) based and I present my material based on that. Why? Because the exams ask multiple choice questions based on simulated real-world environments. These exams don't use virtual environments, where students have to demonstrate knowledge of commands. I always tell my students about labs that are offered and I specifically tell them why I think that lab is important and what knowledge they should gain completing that lab. I offer them support if they encounter issues completing the lab. That said I don't ask 'who completed this lab' because nothing good comes out of that sort of query. It's like asking the class who didn't study for two hours the night before; some students study for 30 minutes and sail through the exam while others study 3-4 hours per evening and fail. We can lead students to knowledge but we can't force them to use it.
Click to expand...
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Reactions: Mark Anthony Germanos, jasoneckert, Ibrahim Mohamed and 2 others

CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) Exam Prep

Ibrahim Mohamed
mohammed khati said:
any time !
don't forget to share with us your preparing journey
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I guess it is the same for almost everyone.
For me, TTT series was like a road-map to what you should focus on.
The The official platform CompTIA CertMaster Learn & Labs, are the essential material for the details.

Professor Messer’s free video is like summing it up and the final visual notes.

My time frame is 1-2 hours a day for 1 month.
Was ready for the exam, but unfortunately didn't get my voucher yet.

Hope to get it soon, so as not to waste all these efforts.
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Theory vs. Labs: Which One Do You Never Skip?

mohammed khati
VICTOR CHIDI OKPURUKA said:
For trainers that have experience delivering training over the years- its common knowledge that both theory and labs are important!

your balance for every batch or cohort will be dependent on the experience of the trainees

trainees with sufficient theoretical knowledge will need labs to complement and make them better and also I have seen persons in the field practicing for years but dont know the standards, jargons, principles and ethics or to put it lightly the how, why, when for different sceneries as they arise.

So bottom line - you cant skip any if you intend to benefit the participants
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That’s a great point! I totally agree both theory and labs complement each other, and skipping either one leaves a gap.

From my side, what I’ve noticed is that labs make the theory “stick” faster, especially for new learners who might struggle to keep up with abstract concepts. On the other hand, theory provides the “why” behind the practice, which makes troubleshooting in real scenarios much more effective.

I think the real challenge as trainers is finding that sweet spot for each group sometimes 70% labs / 30% theory, sometimes the reverse, depending on their background.

Thanks for sharing this perspective !!
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Theory vs. Labs: Which One Do You Never Skip?

Ibrahim Mohamed
mohammed khati said:
I just noticed how every trainer has a different ‘teaching style’ when delivering A+ or Network+. Some go deep into theory, others focus on troubleshooting labs. If you had to pick, what’s the one thing you never skip in your training sessions?
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It is not skipping this or that. It is about customizing your delivery according to your audience.
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Reactions: Mark Anthony Germanos, BrianFord, mohammed khati and 1 other person

CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) Exam Prep

Ibrahim Mohamed
mohammed khati said:
From my experience, the TTT series is really useful, but it depends on your goal

If you’re preparing to take the A+ exam: TTT alone is not enough. You’ll definitely need extra resources like practice exams, CertMaster or additional resources to make sure you cover everything and get used to the exam style.

If your goal is to teach or train students: then the TTT series can actually be enough as a foundation, since it gives you the structure to explain concepts, but you should still explore extra materials to give your students richer examples.
Click to expand...
Thank you @mohammfor you response.
Good point you mentioned here.
What material or site you used? Or you think it can help?.
What about time frame to prepare?
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Theory vs. Labs: Which One Do You Never Skip?

VICTOR CHIDI OKPURUKA
mohammed khati said:
I just noticed how every trainer has a different ‘teaching style’ when delivering A+ or Network+. Some go deep into theory, others focus on troubleshooting labs. If you had to pick, what’s the one thing you never skip in your training sessions?
Click to expand...
For trainers that have experience delivering training over the years- its common knowledge that both theory and labs are important!

your balance for every batch or cohort will be dependent on the experience of the trainees

trainees with sufficient theoretical knowledge will need labs to complement and make them better and also I have seen persons in the field practicing for years but dont know the standards, jargons, principles and ethics or to put it lightly the how, why, when for different sceneries as they arise.

So bottom line - you cant skip any if you intend to benefit the participants
Click to expand...
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Reactions: Hemlock, mohammed khati and Ibrahim Mohamed

Passed the CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2)

VICTOR CHIDI OKPURUKA
videsh31 said:
Please share the vouchers with others if you do not intend to use them this year.
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@videsh31 Kindly note that vouchers cant be shared- they are name tied and have prerequisites which are clear( eg. mentoring or part of a training provider, participate in the live or on demand TTT sessions intended to help trainers deliver compTIA training or for CE etc.)

Vouchers normally have about 1yr duration so even if someone cant use it this year- next year upto June2026 is still an available timeline.

Thanks and awesome day ahead
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Reactions: Jill West and Ibrahim Mohamed

CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (Core 1) and 220-1202 (Core 2) Exam Prep

mohammed khati
From my experience, the TTT series is really useful, but it depends on your goal

If you’re preparing to take the A+ exam: TTT alone is not enough. You’ll definitely need extra resources like practice exams, CertMaster or additional resources to make sure you cover everything and get used to the exam style.

If your goal is to teach or train students: then the TTT series can actually be enough as a foundation, since it gives you the structure to explain concepts, but you should still explore extra materials to give your students richer examples.
Click to expand...
  • Like
Reactions: Ibrahim Mohamed
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