Networking For Dummies, 8th Edition (repost)

Networking for Dummies upholds the series' proletarian tradition by entertainingly explaining local area networks (LAN) to the rest of us. Written with three different–but equally "clueless in technical matters;quot;–audiences in mind, Lowe's book appeals to novice network users, novice network builder/administrators, and the managers who must finance the activities of the other two groups.

A large part of this book is devoted to user issues such as "Accessing a network drive from WordPerfect" and "What is a print job?" Other chapters explain the differences among the various network architectures and network operating systems. In addition, the book pays a lot of attention to troubleshooting, particularly for common problems.

For these reasons, Networking for Dummies makes a fine resource for people who are new to a networked environment. If you are a network administrator, you might want to get a copy (or three) of this book for the corporate library and refer it to all askers of brain-dead questions.

The book's primary shortcoming is its ignorance of Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 and Novell IntranetWare. (Coverage of NT stops at version 3.51 and coverage of NetWare stops at version 4.1.) Still, lots of organizations still run these network operating systems, and if yours is one of them, this book may fit your needs admirably.


Company just hooked you up to a network and you’re wondering what the heck you’re supposed to do with it? Tired of burning spreadsheets onto CDs just so you can share them with coworkers, and you’re wondering what it’ll take to set up a network in your organization? Been tasked with setting up a network and you don’t have a clue about where to begin? Don’t fret, you’ll find all the answers you’re looking for in Networking for Dummies.
Written for even the most network-shy novice, it begins with the most basic of basics—“A network is nothing more than two or more computers connected by a cable (or wireless adapter) so that they can share information”—and progresses through all the essentials, from cables, routers and hubs to building a wireless network. In clear, simple language, peppered with enough wry quips and jabs at the cult of IT to make it fun, Doug Lowe walks you through:
• What a network is and how to use it
• How to build a wired or wireless network
• How to secure and optimize a network
• How to troubleshoot a network
• Safely connecting a network to the Internet
• Networking with all major operating systems
This new edition of the bestselling guide features extensive updates on the latest networking tools and trends—including new Windows Vista and Server 2003 R2—the latest broadband options, new storage and back-ups, and an all new-chapter on VoIP and Internet telephony.