Developed for academic courses, NETWORKING ESSENTIALS PLUS, THIRD EDITION, helps students build the skills they need on the job and for professional certification-- including the new CompTIA Network+ credential. The textbook delivers official Microsoft(R) curriculum adaptable for either a full 16-week semester or a 6-, 8-, or 10-week course. Thoroughly updated with new topics and improved organization, NETWORKING ESSENTIALS PLUS, THIRD EDITION, serves as the ideal foundation for your school's networking specialist program. The coverage is now operating-system independent so students can better prepare for a wide range of networking technologies. Each book is filled with competency-based practice exercises that students complete on their own, while the companion lab manual features additional skill-building activities ideal for your classroom's computer lab. Along with the textbook, students receive a lab manual and a Student CD-ROM containing study aids, all-new simulation video clips that demonstrate common procedures, and detailed information on how to begin a career in Information Technology. An Instructor CD-ROM containing a complete set of instructor support materials-- including lecture outlines, dozens of new teaching tips, PowerPoint(R) slides, and test banks-- is also available.