Introduction to Networking (4th Edition) [Paperback]

Barry Nance (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 13, 1997

Programmer Barry Nance, a columnist for Byte Magazine, penned this reference with topics listed by type of network and network application. Each topic features a thorough discussion of concept, needs analysis, product selection, implementation and ongoing support issues.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Learning networking has never been particularly easy. There are so many variables and acronyms that it's easy to be buried in minutiae at the outset or to get a skewed view that focuses on only one particular network operating system and its idiosyncrasies. Introduction to Networking starts to address the need for a solid, general purpose overview of how networks work and what the practical world of building, managing, and using networks is like.

The book does a good job describing the basics of connecting multiple computers and covers Novell Netware, Windows 95, Windows for Workgroups, Windows NT Server, Warp Server, and Warp Connect in specific chapters. Other topics include types of connections, protocols, using and installing network adapters, using file servers, network management products, and e-mail and network interoperability.

One weak point is that Introduction to Networking offers shallow and rather outdated coverage of Unix networks and the new generation of "network computers." However, this book is an excellent starting point for an overview of how networks work, and is a good starting point for PC users who need to know how to use the network, managers who need to start making decisions about networking investments for large businesses, and anyone who just wants to understand what happens when a computer is hooked into a network.

Review

Readers will get a thorough introduction to the world of networking from this new edition, which covers the fundamentals as well as more advanced skills of computer connectivity. How to mix and match networking technologies to meet any need. Covers TCP/IP, WANs, LANs, workgroups, and more. Includes a complete vendor reference. Covers IBM & Compatibles. -- Que Corp --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 408 pages
• Publisher: Que; 4 Sub edition (March 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789711583
• ISBN-13: 978-0789711588
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,242,955 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars What a god awful book., April 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Introduction to Networking (4th Edition) (Paperback)

I don't know where to start. First of all, "ever hear of spell check"? How can a book go to print with so many errors. Especially sad when it's a computer book. I found numerous inaccuracies and miscomprehention by the author in the area of basic topics. This isn't a novel. The reason you buy a textbook is to learn answers. Being told the wrong answer is both frustrating and time consuming.

My synopsis: there are much better books on the market than this one. Don't waste your money!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear and accessible., April 19, 1999

By 

"pjs38" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Introduction to Networking (4th Edition) (Paperback)

Although it is at times a superficial summary of networking, the book accomplishes what it sets out to do, which is to introduce the newcomer or relative newcomer to networks. It accomplishes its goal well by providing an intelligent, articulate and PAINLESS way to ease into the fundamental concepts. Good job.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good not great, February 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Introduction to Networking (Paperback)

Strong Netware bias-you'd think Novell underwrote the book. Absolutely critical of NT, OS/2. A lot of repetition and typos out the wahzoo, to include incorrect answers in the answer keys. Overall a good introduction but aging fast.