Product Review: CBT Nuggets Linux+ Series

Reviewed by: Anne Martinez

I don't usually write reviews of training products, but when CBT Nuggets sent me their Linux+ series and I experienced it first hand, I had to make an exception. Since I was in a position to actually need the training, I was able to truly assess its value. Here's what I found:

The title "Training Video" is almost a misnomer; although you do watch the instruction on your computer screen, this is much more engaging than any video you'll pop into your VCR. Although you don't directly interact with this training - there's nothing to type, and no quizzes or questions to test your retention of the information - it somehow manages to feel more interactive than training resources I've used that do have those features. I suspect that's due to the friendly enthusiasm of instructor Perry Fizzano, who conveys the ins and outs of the Linux operating system as if he was sitting beside you. And it helps that you can jump to any topic at any time (and back again), simply by selecting it from the play list.

When I popped the first CD of the two disk set into my CD drive, the opening screen popped right up and I was able to start learning without having to crack any instruction manuals on how to operate the software. The interface was fairly intuitive, though I did manage to clear the play list by accident. Fortunately, I simply reinserted the CD and it was restored as good as new.

Speaking of the play list, although the default list of all topics on the CD worked just fine for me, you can create your own custom play list containing just the topics that most interest you.

The Linux+ series comes on two CD disks, comprising roughly nine and a half hours of instruction. It covers all the topics you'd expect, corresponding closely to the objectives list for CompTIA's Linux+ exam. The topics are delivered in easily digestible chunks (i.e. nuggets) ranging from 24 to 37 minutes each. Larger topics, such as troubleshooting Linux, can span multiple nuggets. Each nugget is prefaced with a brief video of Fizzano introducing the subjects to be covered. The meat of the topic is conveyed via conversational instruction, and a pleasing mix of visual aids that will keep your interest. I especially appreciated the demonstrations of the commands being typed into a live Linux system and the results that occurred.

Even if you're not studying for Linux+, this is a very pleasant way to become acquainted with the Linux operating system. Although its not entirely necessary, if you have or can gain access to a live Linux system and can try some of the methods as you learn them, that will be the icing on the cake.

Note: Because we have found the CBT Nuggets products to be of such high quality, we have chosen to resell their products through GoCertify.com. You can get them here.