Getting the Web: Understanding the Nature & Meaning of the Internet

Rating:
Summary: Should be required reading for all HS and College students
Review: .

Jeanne M. Follman scores a hit with this book. As a former college instructor who taught the Internet, I can state positively, that I wish I had this book for use as a textbook. She uses a down to earth writing style that will score with teenagers and young people.

For those who find the complexities of the Internet hard to fathom, Follman does great job explaining how it works, in fast, easy to understand terms. I learned some interesting historical facts (the development of CGI), that I didn't know about the Internet and thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Follman also gives some insights into where the Internet is going and explain why it is important to understand its effects on mankind and our culture.

I think this book should be on the required reading list for every High School through Junior College Student in the US. I think it would make a fine basis for further research.

Strongly recommended for anyone interested in how the Internet works. The concepts are simple but so important that they should not be ignored. Read this book and pass it on to as many of your family members as possible.

Congrats to Follman for a fine book....

Rating:
Summary: Especially recommended for those new to the Internet
Review: In Getting The Web: Understanding The Nature And Meaning Of The Internet, Jeanne Follman offers a penetrating and informative survey of the scope and impact of the Internet. Written specifically for the non-specialist general reader, a series of informative, thoughtful essays explain how the Internet relates to the written tradition, how images convey complex information, how the Web enables lay people to become radio and video broadcasts, how open standards provide a way for people from all manner of backgrounds to interact cooperatively, and what happens when traditional barriers to commerce and communication are eliminated locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. Getting The Web is especially recommended for those new to the Internet, as well as those who have wondered about how the web is changing almost all aspects of modern life, culture, society, commerce, education, and governance.

Rating:
Summary: Enriches my experience of the World Wide Web
Review: Subtitled, "Understanding the nature and Meaning of the Internet", Jeanne M. Follman, a technical writer makes it all make sense. Like many people, I click away at my mouse and enter the world of the World Wide Web without a second thought. This does not mean that I really understand how it works or what it is or even some of the larger implications of what it all means. Now, however, after reading this small gem of a book, which is only 159 pages long, I see it all differently.

First of all, she makes the technology understandable by her simple and explicit explanations. She repeats a lot of the basic concepts so that they really do stick. Finally, such words as "bit" and "bitstream" make sense. I now know that HTTP means "Hyper Text Transfer Protocol" and URL means "Uniform Resource Locator". Finally, I understand what bandwidth is and the differences between cable and DSL and each of their strengths and weaknesses. And, best of all, I can see how it all fits in with developments in the world concerning the spread of language and ideas.

Ms. Follman brings a sense of wonder and optimism to what we have now and what she sees for the future. And even though she makes it simple, she doesn't talk down to her audience. A friend of mine who is a computer professional thumbed through the book and remarked how much good basic information it contained. I used to think that this was information I didn't need to know. The truth is I don't. After all, I know how to log on to a computer. But what Ms. Follman does in this book is enrich my experience, give it dimension. And, in my mind, the World Wide Web will never look the same to me again. Recommended.


Rating:
Summary: Very Helpful
Review: Subtitled, "Understanding the nature and Meaning of the Internet", Jeanne M. Follman, a technical writer makes it all make sense. Like many people, I click away at my mouse and enter the world of the World Wide Web without a second thought. This does not mean that I really understand how it works or what it is or even some of the larger implications of what it all means. Now, however, after reading this small gem of a book, which is only 159 pages long, I see it all differently.

First of all, she makes the technology understandable by her simple and explicit explanations. She repeats a lot of the basic concepts so that they really do stick. Finally, such words as "bit" and "bitstream" make sense. I now know that HTTP means "Hyper Text Transfer Protocol" and URL means "Uniform Resource Locator". Finally, I understand what bandwidth is and the differences between cable and DSL and each of their strengths and weaknesses. And, best of all, I can see how it all fits in with developments in the world concerning the spread of language and ideas.

Ms. Follman brings a sense of wonder and optimism to what we have now and what she sees for the future. And even though she makes it simple, she doesn't talk down to her audience. A friend of mine who is a computer professional thumbed through the book and remarked how much good basic information it contained. I used to think that this was information I didn't need to know. The truth is I don't. After all, I know how to log on to a computer. But what Ms. Follman does in this book is enrich my experience, give it dimension. And, in my mind, the World Wide Web will never look the same to me again. Recommended.


Rating:
Summary: Perfect for the beginner
Review: There is a great deal of noise surrounding the Internet. With all the hype of the dot-com phenomena it is often easy to believe that the Internet is not as revolutionary as once thought. However, that is not the case, and I offer the following point in support. I recently taught some free, introduction to the Internet classes at a local community college. While there were no age restrictions, nearly everyone in the class was fifty or older. Their interests were varied, but most were interested in e-mail and the ability to search for information. In that area, the greatest interest was in finding someone or something that they had encountered earlier in life. Viewing their childlike fascination with what we could find was one of the strongest arguments in favor of how the Internet is changing society that I have seen.
Their level of interest was rather high and a common comment was that there was little material available that would explain the Internet where "an old dog" could understand it. Several students asked me if I could recommend any books that explained the Internet in general, simple terms. This book is one resource that will satisfy that need and most of the major points I was asked in those classes are covered. From now on, when such questions arise, I will recommend this book.

Rating:
Summary: A Valuable Primer
Review: To "get" the Web is to understand what its capabilities are. I am reminded of the fact that a liquid almost always assumes the shape of its container. With any new resource, we must first grasp what it makes possible before we can take appropriate advantage of those possibilities. With regard to the Web, that process of recognizing its potential functionality continues for all of us. Here is an excellent introduction to "understanding the nature and meaning of the Internet" and especially, the Web. Follman duly acknowledges -- indeed frequently cites -- various sources, such as Berners-Lee's Weaving the Web, as she carefully guides her reader through three Parts: What the Internet Is ("the telephone company for computers"); Why the Internet is the Way It Is ("how computers and telephone companies shape the future of the Internet"); and finally, "the ways in which the Internet shapes communication and exchange and ultimately, us." I highly recommend this book to non-technicians at all organizational levels who are directly or indirectly involved in e-business. I also recommend it to school and college students who are now preparing for a business career. Finally, I recommend it to owners/CEOs of small companies who are thinking about or already embarked upon e-business initiatives. To all a word of caution: Don't expect more of this book than Follman intended. This is an introduction, a primer really, for non-technicians. As she explains, her focus is on "What" and (I presume to suggest) "Why", not on "How." After reading this book, you may wish to consult other sources. Follman includes a brief "Bibliography." Here are three other books you should also consider: K. Eric Wexler's Engines of Creation, Nicholas Negroponte's Being Digital, and Jakob Nielsen's Designing Web Usability.

Rating:
Summary: Very Helpful
Review: When I wanted to learn how to write in HTML, I picked up this book. It's incredible how easy Ms. Follman makes writing HTML. Plus, I have the honor of personally knowing the author. I think if any book can teach you how to write HTML, this book can!