As one of the most popular computer certifications out there, A+ is an excellent choice for anyone starting out in IT. The books and study guides listed below are all top quality and any one of them will give you the edge in getting A+ certified. If you would like to recommend or review a book, please post in the forum.
1. CompTIA A+ Complete Study Guide
Sybex
This large, all-in-one style of study guide covers all four of the exams offered for the A+ certification. This is a great book for beginners because it is extremely comprehensive and provides many tips and lots of information directed to people with little experience as a technician. In addition to review questions at the end of each chapter, there is also a cd with practice questions and flashcards.
2. CompTIA A+ Complete Fast Pass
The Fastpass study guide is a very concise version of the complete study guide listed above. You get the same information, but condensed and without the graphics, real world scenarios, and with fewer review questions. This is ideal for those with more experience and the need to learn exactly what is needed for the exams without sacrificing the useful information needed to become a good technician.3. A+ Certification: All-in-One Exam Guide
From Micheal Meyers, and with a pre-assessment exam, CD-ROM practice questions, and proven techniques, this book will prepare you for your A+ exams. From beginner to expert, this is the one book you will need to get an A+ Certification. Although my full review is from the previous version of this book, this is a great series and Mike definitely knows his stuff. This is another really good study guide for a beginner.
4. CompTIA A+ Exam Cram
Although I have not gotten my hands on an actual copy of this yet, the Exam Cram and Exam Prep series is always good and reliable. The books offer great ways of learning the material and I always end up highly recommending them. I am sure that the A+ Exam Cram is no different. If you find otherwise, please let us know.5. The A+ Certification and PC Repair Handbook
As both a certification prep book and as a reference for PC technicians, this book is excellent. All of the material is presented clearly and practically with a matter-of-fact approach to topics and tons of review and practice questions. The CD is particularly helpful, containing more practice questions and video tutorials. You really won't go wrong with this one. UPDATE: This book prepares you for the 220-301 and 220-302 exams not the 220-601 or technician exams.
6. PC Technician Street Smarts
This interesting book is not really a study guide for the exam. The book is organized into individual tasks. Each task is one that a technician in the field will likely face and the book walks you through with a scenario, scope, equipment needed, and steps for completion. I put this last on the list because, while it is useful in it's own way, it is written for beginners and really should be a companion book to a more comprehensive study guide. This is convenient since you can buy it packaged with the Complete Study Guide and Complete Fast Pass for a pretty good price.