Rating: 
Summary: Should be called "Beginning Networking for Dummies"
Review: I am a "Computer Specialist" and can only recommend this book to beginners, or basic computer users who want to get an idea of what a network is. This book gives an introduction to networking, and leaves a lot of loose ends. If the book didn't claim to give you the knowledge to build and manage "any size network," and said it was only for beginners, I'D GIVE IT MORE STARS. It's a good read; it's just too basic for all the claims made on the front, and back covers. I also have to argue with some of the authors suggestions that users (who have read this book) should try to trouble-shoot the network before calling a guru. That's fine if you really are the one who is supposed to be doing that, it's your network, or you work in a "mom and pop" company. Don't do it otherwise. You're likely to get in trouble, or at least be thought of as a "Dummy." If you want to be a networking pro - and have very little, to no knowledge - start here and move up to more complete information. Good luck on your pursuit of knowledge. :)
Rating:
Summary: Should be called "Beginning Networking for Dummies"
Review: I am a "Computer Specialist" and can only recommend this book to beginners, or basic computer users who want to get an idea of what a network is. This book gives an introduction to networking, and leaves a lot of loose ends. If the book didn't claim to give you the knowledge to build and manage "any size network," and said it was only for beginners, I'D GIVE IT MORE STARS. It's a good read; it's just too basic for all the claims made on the front, and back covers. I also have to argue with some of the authors suggestions that users (who have read this book) should try to trouble-shoot the network before calling a guru. That's fine if you really are the one who is supposed to be doing that, it's your network, or you work in a "mom and pop" company. Don't do it otherwise. You're likely to get in trouble, or at least be thought of as a "Dummy." If you want to be a networking pro - and have very little, to no knowledge - start here and move up to more complete information. Good luck on your pursuit of knowledge. :)
Rating:
Summary: Should be called "Beginning Networking for Dummies"
Review: I am a "Computer Specialist" and can only recommend this book to beginners, or basic computer users who want to get an idea of what a network is. This book gives an introduction to networking, and leaves a lot of loose ends. If the book didn't claim to give you the knowledge to build and manage "any size network," and said it was only for beginners, I'D GIVE IT MORE STARS. It's a good read; it's just too basic for all the claims made on the front, and back covers. I also have to argue with some of the authors suggestions that users (who have read this book) should try to trouble-shoot the network before calling a guru. That's fine if you really are the one who is supposed to be doing that, it's your network, or you work in a "mom and pop" company. Don't do it otherwise. You're likely to get in trouble, or at least be thought of as a "Dummy." If you want to be a networking pro - and have very little, to no knowledge - start here and move up to more complete information. Good luck on your pursuit of knowledge. :)
Rating: 
Summary: Great entry level book!
Review: I am a Macintosh graphics professional who recently started a new job for an ad agency. The network guru quit and guess who was left with the responsibility of maintaining and troubleshooting the studio network? This book saved my butt! It's a wonderfully written book geared toward the complete network dummy. I would have paid double.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty much useless
Review: I bought a home networking kit, and I was having problems connecting it, so I bought this book. This book had much less useful information than the manual that came witht the networking kit, and that was hundreds of pages smaller. This book really does not tell you how to actually hook up or work with network.
Rating: 
Summary: The dumbest of the dummies
Review: I completely agree with all of the other 1-star raters. I was looking for a guide for troubleshooting and fixing problems with peer-to-peer networks (which most homes and small businesses use)-- and this book just ain't it.
Rating: 
Summary: Learn to communicate with the Network Thugs in one day!
Review: I hate the title. Nonetheless, the book gave me what I needed: a quick introduction to my office LAN. I read the pertinent parts the night I received the book from Amazon. The next day, I was talking intelligently with the Network Thugs (LAN administrators--see the book). Three weeks later, thanks to the fast start, I trained my staff on what a LAN is and how to use it. I'd like to see about three more chapters: how to organize and share files, access and use network programs, and share peripherals. For some reason, Lowe devotes a brief chapter to using printers, but doesn't really cover the other applications. Add those and this would be THE networking book for neophytes.
Rating:
Summary: Great for beginners!
Review: I would recommend this book for the individual that is interested in installing a small LAN or learning about networks but has absolutely no experience with networking. . If you want a stepping stone to the world of networking "Networking for Dummies" is what you want! Furthermore, the book is quite humorous and very easy to follow. Suprisingly, the book does go into some technical mumbo jumbo, but it is written in such a way that one may avoid it. If you want to be a technical geek, and you're looking for a place to start....here you go!
Rating:
Summary: A Good Place to Get Started
Review: I've often thought that computer books tend to leave out the first forty pages or so that tell you the broad picture of just what it is that you are trying to do. This book can almost be viewed as the front end of any number of dedicated networking books that start off just about where this one ends.
This book starts off with the most basic descriptions: "A network is nothing more than two or more computers connected by a cable (or wireless adapter) so that they can share information. From there it goes on to talk about how to set a network up. It's intended for the complete beginner and talks about things like cables, routers, hubs and so on in a simple and clear language interspersed with enough humor to keep you from going to sleep immediately.
This book is in reference format, it's not intended to be read from start to finish. Each chapter is self standing so you can go read about your problem of the moment. This book is specifically aimed at the beginner. If you're looking for something on trouble shooting or some of the esoteric aspects of networking you need something higher up.
Rating:
Summary: The worst book I've ever read
Review: It should be possible to rate with 0 stars! Because that's what this book deserves. This book is imprecise. Doesn't tell you how to do things, it just says that (by the act of god) things can be done. Sometimes this information is even misleading. Be aware! If you want to learn something about networking DON'T BUY this book. If you want my book I can sell it for half the price! (I would give it for free, but this is to protect you) By the way, Doug Lowe jokes are not that good...
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