Cisco Firewall Video Mentor by David Hucaby published by Cisco Press (ISBN-13: 978-1-58720-198-1 / ISBN-10: 1-58720-198-4) covers various firewall configuration tasks associated with Cisco's Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) through 16 instructional videos (also referred to as Lab 1 through Lab 16). A printed, ninety (90) page booklet accompanies the DVD. The booklet is also available in PDF format on the DVD. The booklet covers all 16 labs and is consistently formatted. The booklet format for each lab contains 4 sections. The first section describes the objectives of the lab. The second section contains the steps performed in the lab to complete the objectives. The third section contains the initial configuration prior to starting the lab. The fourth section is used as a reference to the video presentation of the lab.
The author uses the Command Line Interface (CLI) to demonstrate how to configure various tasks and many times uses the Graphical User Interface (GUI) called ASDM (Adaptive Security Device Manager) to depict how one can also accomplish the same configuration task through the use of ASDM vice the CLI.
The video is presented well, typically using the upper third of the layout for reference material (i.e. - command formats, diagrams, etc.). The bottom two/thirds of the layout are used to show the terminal emulation session (i.e. - the console session of the ASA) and the ASDM interface. The author has a pleasant voice and the running audio commentary was outstanding and synchronized perfectly with the typing associated with the CLI and ASDM interfaces. I am wondering how many takes was required to get the audio synchronized with the typing that well. It truly is impressive.
The author does a tremendous job presenting the content of the video. The content is presented in a cumulative manner. All content, from rudimentary concepts, such as, exploring the CLI modes to more complex concepts, such as, Modular Policy Framework (MPF) are broken down and thoroughly explained. I found the video to be properly paced. When I did not fully grasp a concept, it was easy to back up the video and watch and listen to it again.
I really enjoyed learning about Cisco's ASA via this video method. It is a nice departure from just reading pure technical documentation. The video mentor presentation is the next best thing to having your own lab equipment. Anyone interested in learning about stateful firewall concepts and configuring the Cisco ASA will benefit greatly from watching and listening to this video.
DL:
Part1|Part2|Part3|Part4|Part5|Part6
Part7|Part8|Part9|Part10|Part11
Pass:sumptuousworld
