After downloading the 9.91MB demo file from Transcender, I installed my CIW Foundations Demo Exam without a hitch. Upon starting it up I found the interface to be very efficient and effective. The demo version included nine practice questions with the option to upgrade to 210 questions for $99.

I began the certification exam with the timer set at 12 minutes and counting. Although I had only nine to judge by, the questions were solid and seemed representative of those to be expected on the real exam. Once I completed the questions I hesitated a bit while trying to figure out how to make it score my answers. As it turned out, the button labled "End Demo Exam" does not shut the program down, which was my initial thought, but sends you to the score review. The score review screen did a great job of showing my strengths and weaknesses broken down based on the exam objectives. I passed with flying colors.

Once complete, you can go back and review the questions and your answers and get detailed explanations for each with references to source material. You can also save your exam and come back to it if you need to finish at a later time.

As a side note, the Cisco downloads offer the added feature of "Exhibits" which simulate the lab environment with topology diagrams and command line entries.

Overall, this is a relatively intuitive and useful tool to use for studying for your certification exams. I would recommend it as an addition to a book or training course and not as your only preparation tool. I gave it a rating of 3.5 stars because $99 seems a little high when compared to all of the books (most come with practice tests on CD-ROM) that are out there for half the price. If you would like to download a demo visit Transcender.com.