Networking For Dummies, 9th Edition

The bestselling beginning networking book is now updated to cover the latest tools and trends!

Fully updated and revised to include the latest trends in networking, this perennial bestseller features updated coverage of broadband technologies, storage, and backup. You’ll discover the hottest topics for setting up a network at home or in the office.

Popular For Dummiesauthor Doug Lowe knows what the networking beginner is looking for, so to that end, he offers you networking fundamentals written in his easy-to-understand style and discusses topics such as Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008.

• Walks you through networking basics with valuable updates of the latest networking tools and trends
• Explains exactly what a network is and how to use it
• Demonstrates how to build a wired or wireless network
• Addresses securing, optimizing, and troubleshooting a network
• Discusses networking with all major operating systems

Networking For Dummies, 9th Edition is the guide you need to start sharing resources and exchanging data today.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