i aim to take the network plus within the next few weeks as my studies are going well and i've completed all the areas.I am just fine tuning parts now of the network +. So far i have found it much easier studying for than the A+ which is surprising because i absolutely HATE networks and have in the past labelled them as "boring". Its transpired its not as bad as I thought.

I'd like to know whether the MCTS in windows 7 would be a good next goal for me after network + and how difficult it is to do it? does it involve a lot more hands on experience? would i need a professional version of windows 7 in order to really practice with it? What books would you recommend if at all any? ( i have read on amazon reviews there seems to be a number of very bad books out there)

Hi Fizzydizzy,

I have my MOS 2003, A+ and Network+ and now venturing into taking my MCITP:EA so yes I think after taking the Network+ the MCTS or MCITP:SA, MCITP:EA is a good step to take.

From the studying I've done on 70-680 if I hadn't taken the Network+ I would've found some of the terminology confusing especially on some practice tests where they've asked "Two computers are on the same network on an enterprise and cannot ping each other, why?" Having the basic networking knowledge of Net+ has helped.