Product Description
Company just hooked you up to a network and you’re wondering what the heck you’re supposed to do with it? Tired of burning spreadsheets onto CDs just so you can share them with coworkers, and you’re wondering what it’ll take to set up a network in your organization? Been tasked with setting up a network and you don’t have a clue about where to begin? Don’t fret, you’ll find all the answers you’re looking for in Networking for Dummies.

Written for even the most network-shy novice, it begins with the most basic of basics—“A network is nothing more than two or more computers connected by a cable (or wireless adapter) so that they can share information”—and progresses through all the essentials, from cables, routers and hubs to building a wireless network. In clear, simple language, peppered with enough wry quips and jabs at the cult of IT to make it fun, Doug Lowe walks you through:

What a network is and how to use it
How to build a wired or wireless network
How to secure and optimize a network
How to troubleshoot a network
Safely connecting a network to the Internet
Networking with all major operating systems

This new edition of the bestselling guide features extensive updates on the latest networking tools and trends—including new Windows Vista and Server 2003 R2—the latest broadband options, new storage and back-ups, and an all new-chapter on VoIP and Internet telephony.

Amazon.com Review
Computers in business environments become exponentially helpful and critical for daily operations when they're linked together in local area networks (LANs) that enable coworkers to share files, Internet access, and valuable resources like printers and plotters. Building a network of IBM-compatible PCs requires careful strategic planning, and Networking for Dummies, Fourth Edition, will help you sort out the technical details as painlessly as possible.

This book helps you figure out whether you need a LAN at all--the author isn't shy about recommending simpler solutions such as printer switches--and then helps you get everything hooked up. Mainly, Lowe describes LANs in an accurate and comprehensive, though somewhat generic, way.

Once it has been determined that you need a network operating system, Lowe describes the characteristics of several good ones (including NetWare 4.2, NetWare 5, Windows NT 4, and LANtastic). He also explains network architectures, cabling systems, and security issues. New to this edition is information on transforming your LAN into an intranet by adapting internal protocols to Internet standards. There's lots of solid information on troubleshooting and optimizing performance too.

Much of the valuable information in Networking for Dummies comes in the form of scenarios. Lowe uses short situations and explains, specifically, what networking hardware and software will be required or beneficial. Find a story that matches your situation and you'll be in business. --David Wall

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 3.5 based on 33 reviews)

book review

This book is very helpful in teaching me about setting up my home network, it should help you also.
September 24, 2008

networking for dummies

good book needs to be updated to include vista
book good delivery from amazon very slow
August 08, 2008

Good basic introduction to networking

I just purchased the book, so the technology was outdated, but the basic theory was valid, and I was looking for general knowledge of the process. It served that purpose quite well.
August 05, 2008

If you hate reading on the internet....

If you hate reading on the internet its an OK book....for basics....

Its outdated and all the information in the book is available on the internet if you are good with google.

Setting up a small home or business network.......buy a used copy to use as a reference for the most basic information....

I gave it three stars.....its got older info and not much detail....but it is good basic information....and if you buy a good used copy like I did ......its worth having on the bookshelf as a reference.
July 20, 2008

okay but errors

Sloppy editing.
Started reading this book today. Now at page 117 which is about 1/3 of the book and already found six (6) very obvious errors. Pretty pathetic for a book in its 8th edition.

As an example, on page 117, subnet mask is 255.255.240.0 yet the diagram shows it as all (1s)
--> 11111111 11111111 11111111 11111111 when it should be
--> 11111111 11111111 11110000 00000000

April 07, 2008

SIMILAR PRODUCTS

Networking All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
by Doug Lowe

TCP/IP for Dummies, Fifth Edition
by Candace Leiden, Marshall Wilensky
by Scott Bradner

Windows Server 2003 for Dummies
by Ed Tittel, James Michael Stewart

Network Security for Dummies
by Chey Cobb

Wireless Home Networking For Dummies
by Danny Briere, Pat Hurley, Edward Ferris