Rating: 
Summary: Too much jargon, too simple explanations, don't buy this...
Review: I had to buy this for a class. What a disappointment. It throws out all this jargon but all the explanations are way too superficial. I understand that this is just supposed to be an introduction - but all it did was get me more confused. I was better off when I didn't read the text and just asked people in the field how something works.One good thing is that it is pretty up to date. It discusses the Melissa virus and other recent happenings.
Rating:
Summary: bare bones basics
Review: I highly recomend this book for 4 year olds and 80 year olds. This book addresses concepts only and then at the most simplistic of levels. I am not technical and was not looking for a book targeted to programmers. I simply wanted a book that would provide a modicum of information to satisfy a curious mind and give some substantive explanations as to how the internet works. This taught me nothing and is falsey advertised.
Rating:
Summary: bare bones basics
Review: I highly recomend this book for 4 year olds and 80 year olds. This book addresses concepts only and then at the most simplistic of levels. I am not technical and was not looking for a book targeted to programmers. I simply wanted a book that would provide a modicum of information to satisfy a curious mind and give some substantive explanations as to how the internet works. This taught me nothing and is falsey advertised.
Rating: 
Summary: Simple but Thorough - A Great Introduction
Review: I purchased this book a year or two ago and have come back to it many times as a reference. This is a visually-based book, which uses many illustrations to explain the functioning of the internet to the reader. Yes, there are a lot of areas where it glosses over things and it is very repetitive, but there are many parts where the large, clearly illustrated examples are without question the best explanation of some very complex systems. The book does spend a lot of time on simpler, less awe-inspiring technology like email and explaining how HTML works, but this is well balanced out by the visually-based explanations of how routers and other more dynamic aspects of the internet work together. The book also clearly spells out the differences between various access systems (DSL vs. Cable modems, vs. dial-in modems, vs. Satellite access) and also spends enough time outlining wireless internet access and other systems to allow the reader to see how the same 'system' used for the internet applies to these newer, more cutting edge applications. I think the book does a great job of showing and explaining all of the complexities behind the internet, without bogging the reader down with too much jargon and detail.
Rating:
Summary: Simple but Thorough - A Great Introduction
Review: I purchased this book a year or two ago and have come back to it many times as a reference. This is a visually-based book, which uses many illustrations to explain the functioning of the internet to the reader. Yes, there are a lot of areas where it glosses over things and it is very repetitive, but there are many parts where the large, clearly illustrated examples are without question the best explanation of some very complex systems. The book does spend a lot of time on simpler, less awe-inspiring technology like email and explaining how HTML works, but this is well balanced out by the visually-based explanations of how routers and other more dynamic aspects of the internet work together. The book also clearly spells out the differences between various access systems (DSL vs. Cable modems, vs. dial-in modems, vs. Satellite access) and also spends enough time outlining wireless internet access and other systems to allow the reader to see how the same 'system' used for the internet applies to these newer, more cutting edge applications. I think the book does a great job of showing and explaining all of the complexities behind the internet, without bogging the reader down with too much jargon and detail.
Rating: 
Summary: How the Internet Works
Review: I was dissapointed. A lot of graphics but I did not learn much about the internet. Repeats itself over and over too.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Guide for Beginners--buy one for your Parents
Review: I work in the IT / Computer Repair industry, and I personally feel that this book is very helpful to most individuals who have little familiarity with The Internet and all the intricacies of email, firewalls, modems, Instant Messaging, etc.
This book is very, very Basic..., yet I can guarantee you, as a Help-Desk Agent, that many adults (including myself) can gather useful information from this book. The old saying is true: "a picture is worth a thousand words." In this book, that is mostly what you get...a lot of illustrations.
There is much reiteration of the same material throughout the book, which creates Filler, but the Illustrations are very helpful to the average beginning Internet user.
This book is not designed to be the Ultimate Internet Guide, but it IS a wonderful book to read through and donate to your local library, or to give your parents or grandparents to help them understand the Wonderful World of the Web.
Most people generally tend to forget that not everyone is hip to the Internet technology and terminology. This book caters to individuals who are struggling to incorporate all this new-fangled gadgetry into their lives. I wouldn't recommend this book to Techs, but I would certainly recommend it to anyone trying to integrate with the rest of society, online.
Rating:
Summary: A Simple Clear Discussion of Complex Topics
Review: I've recommended this book since its first edition. It seems simplistic and almost childish on first glance, but do not be deceived!
The apparent simplicity is a testament to the skill of the authors. If you understand this book, you are far ahead of 90% of the people on the net today.
This is the place to begin for the sort of person who can't use anything unless they understand how it works.
http://dragon.labmed.umn.edu/~john/
John Faughnan
Rating:
Summary: Great for beginners
Review: If you're trying to explain basic concepts about how the Internet works to newbies, this book will be your best friend. The illustrations make it very easy to understand in no time at all.
Rating:
Summary: THIS IS A GREAT GUIDE
Review: Normally I don't review books but because this one is so GREAT I find myself compelled to . I teach HW classes and this book has been a great reference materiel. also for people who want to get a basic
understanding of "How the internet Works". my classes are a little high level and not for everyone but this book is. I have told many people to read it. The Illustrations are the best I have ever seen.
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