The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group Introduction To Networking - for the bookshelf Major Keary |
Introduction to Networking, is intended to be a course text for students new to
networking. Networking involves a lot more than the physical equipment; the text
picks up topics such a file storage systems and disk partitions.
The first lessons explain network concepts, describes the physical components of
a network with step-by-step instructions for the installation of a network
interface card, and explain network communication (the terminology, concepts,
digital and analog signals, addressing, Internet communications, and the design
of networks). The depth of detail is good, and the information is well presented
with supporting illustrations.
The tutorials then move on to specific systems: Novell NetWare, Windows 2000,
Windows XP, and Red Hat Linux. Following chapters cover access to networks,
building a directory service, creating network file systems, printing over a
network, security, and network management.
For an introduction to networking I was impressed by the quality and depth of
technical information, and the step-by-step instructions for various processes.
For
example, there is an excellent explanation-supported by screen shots-of using
FDISK.
There are exercises, lab experiments, and other questions, but no answers in the
book; however a CD is available for course providers with that information, and
other material, (cost in the order of $90.00). For anyone who wants to embark on
a course of self-study this is a useful introduction before moving on to
advanced texts. It certainly has possibilities for use by instructors who have
the task of presenting networking to novices.
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Richard McMahon: Introduction to Networking ISBN 0-07-222678-1 Published by Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 383 pp., RRP $64.96 incl. GST |
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Reprinted from the April 2004 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC
User Group, Australia
