Broadband Internet Access for Dummies [Paperback]

Mike Stockman (Author), Derek Ferguson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0764507699 | ISBN-13: 978-0764507694 | Publication Date: December 15, 2000 | Edition: 1

New technologies ? cable modems, DSL, and satellite - have brought high speed to the masses! This book introduces the new broadband user to the Web as it was meant to be seen, rather than the World Wide Wait.

Broadband Internet Access for Dummies provides you with guidance through competing technologies and, once you are connected, will provide ways for you to make the most of the speed and connectivity, from setting up voice and video connections to making a virtual private network connection that lets you stay home from the office a few days a week.

Discover how to use the power of high speed internet for fast downloads, music online, streaming video, video conferencing and much more!

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

In recent months, fast Internet access has made major inroads among small-office workers and home computer users. Digital subscriber line (DSL) service in its various forms, cable modems, and small satellite dishes have come down in price sufficiently that it's easier than ever to have an always-on Internet link with which you can download a Napster music file in seconds. Broadband Internet Access for Dummies, unfortunately, doesn't have much to say about the technical aspects of high-speed Internet connectivity for the home or office. It devotes more than half of its space to explanations of how much more enjoyable surfing is with a fast link--duh--and dedicates most of the rest of its pages to discussions of local area network (LAN) subjects that other books cover far better.

It's true that most people who buy a DSL, cable modem, or satellite service don't configure it themselves, and instead rely on technicians from their DSL provider to get it working. But those aren't the people who would buy books about high-speed Internet access. Those who go to the trouble of buying a book want to know how to do the technician's job--so as to deal with technical problems immediately, or wring maximum performance from the broadband connection. This book doesn't have any of that. The best material here is on sharing an Internet connection among several computers, but even that's better covered elsewhere. Read This Wired Home for the straight scoop on that. --David Wall

Topics covered: The pleasures of having access to a high-speed Internet connection, such as might be provided by cable modems, digital subscriber line (DSL) links, and satellite communications. The authors compare various DSL services (ADSL, SDSL, and so on), and show how to share an Internet connection among several computers.

From the Back Cover

Speed online communications and reduce download time

Get more out of the Net with an always on high-speed Internet connection

Are you tired of slow-loading Web pages and endless downloads? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Packed with savvy tips and tricks, this friendly guide shows you how to choose the right broadband service and then make the most of it, from hooking up a Web cam or small network to hosting a Web site.

Discover how to:

• Choose between DSL, cable modem, and satellite
• Have more fun with multimedia
• Make telecommuting a snap
• Set up a home or small office network
• Deal with security and privacy issues

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 381 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (December 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764507699
• ISBN-13: 978-0764507694
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,741,800 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Helpful, May 6, 2001

By 

Lisa Cade (Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Broadband Internet Access for Dummies (Paperback)

As a novice broadband customer, I found this book to be easily understood and helpful. It provided practical information that my cable modem company was not forthcoming about as well as some good suggestions for how to make use of the extra speed of a cable modem. As with all Dummies books, it was zippy and tried to be funny, but a little more information would have been helpful in spots.

1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Instant Classic!, January 28, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Broadband Internet Access for Dummies (Paperback)

My grandkids have all been after me to get a faster Internet connection. I'd been resisting because I thought I could never understand it. After reading this book, I was able to get myself hooked up with DSL with hardly any trouble at all. Now I'm able to see my grandchildren across the country every day via video conferencing! I owe it all to this book.