Customer Reviews

Sams Teach Yourself TCP/IP in 24 Hours (4th Edition)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been an application developer and architect for several years and lack of in-depth knowledge about TCP/IP networking has always limited my effectiveness. I bought this book with the goal of gaining a decent foundational knowledge of TCP/IP networking. I can honestly say that this book fulfilled that goal. It is a very good introduction to all the core and closely related technologies that encompass the TCP/IP networking stack. The book covers things like firewalling, DNS, and other critical topics that are a must-know in today's networked world. It does a great job of introducing the core essential information on each topic but does not get carried away with a myriad of non-essential details. The topic of the book is very technical and thus the book is as well, so if you already have a technical background and want to add a good working knowledge of TCP/IP then this book is for you. If you are not a computer techie already, then you might want to look at more basic networking books instead.

I was relieved to see this book was available for purchase on Kindle. I could start teaching myself TCP/IP and the basics of networking without having to wait for my public library's copy to become available or trekking across town to find a physical copy.

For the book itself, the content is laid out in a very intuitive format. I'm learning a lot about TCP/IP, its protocols, the structure of networks, etc. The author is very clear and the text is easy to read. I think anyone, even the self proclaimed 'technology challenged', would be able to learn the basics of networks from this book. If I had purchased a physical copy I would be leaving a five-star review.

However, I purchased the kindle copy, so I have to remove a few stars. The author makes use of tables and diagrams throughout the book and they are very helpful so long as they're legible. So far the images are hit-or-miss in the kindle edition. Most have been transferred properly but I have run across several where the background of the image is entirely black and the text within it is completely unreadable. It's a little disappointing, but not a deal breaker in my opinion. If you are a visual learner and such aids are helpful to you then I would recommend a physical copy. Within the kindle sample five out of the eleven diagrams are difficult, if not impossible, to read due to the background black-out. I can say this ratio is a good representation for the remainder of the book. If you're not a visual learner then, by all means, purchase the kindle edition. It's certainly an excellent text.

Took a little longer than 24 hours, but this book will increase your knowledge about the TCP/IP Protocol Suite.

This book is an excellent introduction to the networking world. It is very clear, concise and covers all must-know topics.

I'm not an IT person by any means-but I do feel comfortable with this book. It's readable for almost anyone I would say.

In just 24 hour lessons of an hour or less you can discover the workings of TCP/IP in this step-by-step lesson plan which builds a stepping stone of achievement. Instructions guide through many common tasks while the introductions to TCP/IP protocols are precise, well organized and key to understanding the shortcuts and solutions that streamline operations and avoid common problems. Computer libraries catering to advanced learners need this.