The Internet Book: Everything You Need to Know About Computer Networking and How the Internet Works (3rd Edition)

Rating:
Summary: A basic guide for novice users.
Review: Although initially frightened by all the acronyms surrounding the Internet and its language, I was put as ease while reading Comer's book. I found that it was written for a person like myself. I have some amount of knowledge of how the Internet and other systems work, but I am a typical user of computer applications and am happy when my machine gives me the information I ask of it. Required reading in a college class is often the only reading I've done for the past seven years. I used to be a reader who read for many reasons. Some days I wanted to be transported away into a science fiction novel. Other days I wanted to live the life of another while reading a fascinating piece of fiction. Sometimes, due to necessity, I read a non-fiction work in order to educate myself just in case I need to know something. Upon picking up Comer's book, I felt that I didn't really need to know much about the Internet. However, after reading, I find that my curiosity was aroused. In fact, Comer dedicates the book to "Everyone Who Is Curious." I became one of these people. Comer's writing was a highlight of the book. The complex became simple in regards to understanding the inner-workings of different systems. I found this book to be a perfect companion for the class as it helped me understand a number of concepts in theories that I simply could not understand no matter how many people explained it in the weekly postings. While reading reviews about the book from an Internet book supply company, many critics are not bashful in their feeling that Comer spent too much time relating the history of the Internet to the reader. I wholeheartedly disagree with these critics and found that the history of the Internet had to be explained in order to fully understand why certain features of the Internet and its accompanying systems are in existence today. The book seemed to be quite simply a recap of all that has led up to today's modern systems. LANs, WANs, and other acronyms had to be explained for the Internet novice. Comer did an excellent job of introducing these areas and their relation to where we are today in regards to technology. Others may have wanted him to be somewhat controversial in his interpretations of where the Internet will lead us. For those people, I would suggest another text. For a person like myself, this text was near perfection. There is only major problem that I did have with Comer's book. With my limited knowledge does come some understanding of today's Internet markets. I believe that if Comer would have mentioned a few prominent companies while explaining certain aspects of the Internet, the book may have been easier to read. I found myself writing questions on the margins such as, "Is this what Netscape is?" His only mentioning of some real world company was of Purdue University. It is only as I write my response to this question that I read that he is a professor at that University. I'm not sure why companies would refuse to give permission for Comer to name them while explaining certain areas. One would think that free publicity is always welcome. I'm not sure if Comer is well known throughout the Internet world. Perhaps he is some type of radical that companies fear. Either way, it would have been easier to understand some concepts if the reader could relate them to aspects in the real world.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing Book
Review: Douglas Comer has an amazing ability to cut through the heavy fog that surrounds Internet technology. Many well trained and accomplished academics are terrible writers. I have wasted much money buying from these authors. I have read Douglas Comer's many books from detailed implentation of TCP/IP to overview of computer networks and internet. I am not surprised by the excellent quality of this book. I will buy any book anytime that Dr. Comer writes. I think this all the result of his pioneering reseach and great desire to teach.

Rating:
Summary: A basic guide for novice users.
Review: From this book ,I know that the author understand the Internet and has a lot of expierences on Internet.He can explain the theories and practices clearly and logicaly. By reading this book,I gradually understand the Internet ,that is :how the Internet can provide the communication function and can make you share the resources with the others.

Rating:
Summary: You're no "dummy" but new? This one's for you.
Review: He's the leader in his field. I've used his books for teaching and as referrals. He's so readable but does not talk down to you like the silly "dummy" stuff. You'll be so glad you gave this a try.

Rating:
Summary: You're no "dummy" but new? This one's for you.
Review: He's the leader in his field. I've used his books for teaching and as referrals. He's so readable but does not talk down to you like the silly "dummy" stuff. You'll be so glad you gave this a try.

Rating:
Summary: Good for people who like little info from lots of pages
Review: Well, not a bad book. But it deals with pretty elementary concepts and spends too much time in history (though some people may like it, I was annoyed). Mostly, there are too many words than information.If you are completely new to internet and wan to make some background for a serious start [or if you like reading for the sake of reading:-)] this may suit you.