Getting the Web: Understanding the Nature & Meaning of the Internet [Paperback]

Jeanne M. Follman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2001

Information access has become democratic and global, generating deep structural shifts in the way people communicate and do business. This probing analysis of those shifts will appeal to anyone whose mission, business, or joy in life involves communication or exchange. Thoughtful essays explain how the Internet fits into the written tradition, how images convey complex information, how the Web can enable laypeople to become radio and video broadcasters, how open standards provide a way for people to interact cooperatively, and what happens when traditional barriers to commerce and communication are eliminated and intellectual capital flowers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jeanne M. Follman is a technical writer and contributor to various publications, including OnTheInternet. She is the author, under the name Wanda Wigglebits, of Building a School Web Site. She lives in Chicago.

Product Details

• Paperback: 175 pages
• Publisher: Duomo Pr (March 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0967945690
• ISBN-13: 978-0967945699
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,568,674 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enriches my experience of the World Wide Web, September 16, 2001

By 

Linda Linguvic (New York City) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Getting the Web: Understanding the Nature & Meaning of the Internet (Paperback)

Subtitled, "Understanding the nature and Meaning of the Internet", Jeanne M. Follman, a technical writer makes it all make sense. Like many people, I click away at my mouse and enter the world of the World Wide Web without a second thought. This does not mean that I really understand how it works or what it is or even some of the larger implications of what it all means. Now, however, after reading this small gem of a book, which is only 159 pages long, I see it all differently.

First of all, she makes the technology understandable by her simple and explicit explanations. She repeats a lot of the basic concepts so that they really do stick. Finally, such words as "bit" and "bitstream" make sense. I now know that HTTP means "Hyper Text Transfer Protocol" and URL means "Uniform Resource Locator". Finally, I understand what bandwidth is and the differences between cable and DSL and each of their strengths and weaknesses. And, best of all, I can see how it all fits in with developments in the world concerning the spread of language and ideas.

Ms. Follman brings a sense of wonder and optimism to what we have now and what she sees for the future. And even though she makes it simple, she doesn't talk down to her audience. A friend of mine who is a computer professional thumbed through the book and remarked how much good basic information it contained. I used to think that this was information I didn't need to know. The truth is I don't. After all, I know how to log on to a computer. But what Ms. Follman does in this book is enrich my experience, give it dimension. And, in my mind, the World Wide Web will never look the same to me again. Recommended.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Should be required reading for all HS and College students, August 1, 2001

By 

Conrad B. Senior (Easton, CT United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Getting the Web: Understanding the Nature & Meaning of the Internet (Paperback)

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Jeanne M. Follman scores a hit with this book. As a former college instructor who taught the Internet, I can state positively, that I wish I had this book for use as a textbook. She uses a down to earth writing style that will score with teenagers and young people.

For those who find the complexities of the Internet hard to fathom, Follman does great job explaining how it works, in fast, easy to understand terms. I learned some interesting historical facts (the development of CGI), that I didn't know about the Internet and thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Follman also gives some insights into where the Internet is going and explain why it is important to understand its effects on mankind and our culture.

I think this book should be on the required reading list for every High School through Junior College Student in the US. I think it would make a fine basis for further research.

Strongly recommended for anyone interested in how the Internet works. The concepts are simple but so important that they should not be ignored. Read this book and pass it on to as many of your family members as possible.

Congrats to Follman for a fine book....

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Helpful, September 3, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Getting the Web: Understanding the Nature & Meaning of the Internet (Paperback)

When I wanted to learn how to write in HTML, I picked up this book. It's incredible how easy Ms. Follman makes writing HTML. Plus, I have the honor of personally knowing the author. I think if any book can teach you how to write HTML, this book can!