Review of Home Networking Simplified (Paperback)

The firs thing that struck me as I picked up this book is that it was from Cisco Press but didn't have any Cisco equipment in it. Instead it is profusely illustrated with all kinds of rather simple but informative drawings. Then when I did see some photographs of equipment it was of Linksys gear. Only started to read the Foreward of the book did I read that Cisco purchased Linksys. Now it makes sense for them to do a book about Home Networking.

Cisco specialized in things like big heavy duty networks. I was concerned that they might write a book on home networking the same way. But they didn't. The authors are Cisco people (well, one of them recently left Cisco) but then they tied in with the Geek Squad a volunteer group that offers computer support on the web (www.geeksquad.com). It appears that these guys have seen every problem the end user is going to have. They probably read the book and made suggestions, and then once in a while they add a little comment to further clarify what the authors have said.

Everything you can ask for about home networking is covered. It's covered in an easy to understand manner. All in all, this is the best, most complete book on home networking I've ever seen.

Product Description

An illustrated home networking handbook for the everyday user

Building a network doesn't have to be all work and no play-it can actually be fun! Home Networking Simplified is an illustrated home-networking book for everyone from Grandma Mary to your tech-savvy teenage neighbor.

Home Networking Simplified gives you the most basic need-to-know info and then teaches you how to get the most out of your home network:

• Learn the basics of home networking, from connecting to the Internet to connecting your computers
• Create a basic home network
• Grow and update your network with confidence
• Secure your home network and protect yourself from hackers and viruses
• Go wireless to put your computers where you want them-not just where cables reach
• Learn about the latest technologies, emerging trends, and coolest toys

Whether you're a newbie, a geek, or someone in-between, Home Networking Simplified helps you harness the power of home networking.

Debugged by The Geek Squad

This book is part of the Networking Technology Series from Cisco Press®, the only authorized publisher for Cisco Systems®.

About the Author

Jim Doherty is currently the director of Strategic Marketing with Symbol Technologies. Prior to joining Symbol, Jim worked at Cisco Systems, where he led marketing campaigns for IP Telephony, and routing and switching. Over the past several years, he has taught professionals in both academic and industry settings on a broad range of topics, including networking, electric circuits, statistics, and wireless communication methods. Jim is the co-author of Cisco Networking Simplified and wrote the Study Notes section of the Cisco CCNA Exam #640-607 Flash Card Practice Kit. Jim holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from N.C. State University and an MBA from Duke University. Jim also served in the United States Marine Corps, where he earned the rank of Sergeant, before leaving to pursue an education.

Neil Anderson is a manager in Enterprise Systems Engineering at Cisco Systems, currently responsible for enterprise branch-office networking and teleworking systems architectures. Neil has 20 years of diverse telecom experience, including public telephone systems, mobile telephone systems, IP networks, wireless networking, and home networks. Neil has held roles in Research & Development, Systems Engineering, and Technical Marketing. At Cisco Systems, Neil has worked with Virtual Private Network (VPN), Voice over IP (VoIP), and wireless LAN (WLAN) technologies, focusing on converged networking solutions for enterprise and small business customers. Neil holds a bachelor's degree in computer science.

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