Review of Mastering Home Networking (Paperback)

I looked through this and about 5-10 other books on home networking at a bookstore. This book was my second choice, but I ultimately went for "Networking by Example" by Barry Press (which was especially helpful for people making networks with Linux and Windows in the same network).

The Henricks book was easy to follow, clearly explained, and had fairly good diagrams. But once again, I thought the Networking by Example was better.

Product Description
Discusses how a home network can revolutionize home computing, build a home network using cables, powerlines, phonelines, or wireless adapters, share Internet connection, files, printers, and other peripherals, and secure, optimize, and troubleshoot your network.Softcover.CD-ROM included.

From the Author
Mark Henricks is a freelance journalist, specializing in technology and business, whose byline has appeared on more than 1,000 articles in nearly 100 publications. He lives in Austin, Texas.



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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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Review of Wireless Home Networking Simplified (Paperback)

One of the drawbacks of working in IT is that you get numerous requests from friends and neighbors asking for help setting up wireless networks (or fixing the ones they already have).I've wanted a book I could recommend that would give them everything they need, written at a level they could understand.I think I found it here...Wireless Home Networking Simplified by Jim Doherty and Neil Anderson.Very well done...

Contents:
Part 1 - How Does It Work: How Wireless LANs Work; Wireless Standards - What the Letters Mean; Selecting the Right Wireless Standard for Your Network
Part 2 - What You Should Know: Planning Your Wireless Network; Wireless Security - What You Need to Know; What to Buy
Part 3 - How Do I Set It Up?: Wireless Router Setup; Wireless NIC Setup; Wireless Security Setup
Part 4 - "Honey, This Stupid Wireless Thing Is Not Working": Troubleshooting - I Can't Connect At All; Troubleshooting - I Can Connect Sometimes; Troubleshooting - I Can Connect, But It's Slow
Part 5 - Bell and Whistles: Wireless Video and Entertainment; Wireless to Go; The Future of Wireless Networking
Appendixes: MAC Address Filtering; 802.11n Wireless Channels; 802.11 Additional Revisions; Glossary; Index

I would have loved to have a copy of book a few years back when I first went wireless at home.The writing style is well-suited to a reasonably intelligent person who isn't brand new to computers.All the examples are using LinkSys products, but it's not that hard to make the appropriate adjustments if you're running something else, like D-Link.Rather than just giving the reader the basic "do this, this, and this", the authors explain the background and concepts that come into play when setting up an effective wireless network.For instance, the security section goes into a good discussion about why it's important to pay attention to how you configure your router.The options are presented in a clear, easy to understand fashion, as well as how all the other devices on your wireless network will need to be configured based on the choices you make.I also liked the chapter on Bells and Whistles, as it goes beyond the basics of connecting your computer to the Internet.With all the gaming consoles now supporting wireless connectivity, it's important to include coverage in this area.You just *know* your kid is going to want to connect his new XBox or Wii to the network...

If you're wanting to take the wireless plunge, do so with this book in hand.You'll increase your chances of success, and probably save a few hairs on your head in the process...


Product Description

Wireless Home Networking Simplified

• The full-color, fully illustrated, simple guide to wireless home networking
• Step-by-step instructions: Plan, install, secure, optimize, and troubleshoot your wireless network
• Discover all the fun things you can do with your wireless network

Jim Doherty

Neil Anderson

Using today's wireless networks, you can save money, become more productive, and even have more fun! Now, there's an easy, fully illustrated step-by-step guide to wireless networking for your home: Wireless Home Networking Simplified.

This plain-English guide teaches you everything you need to know to set up a wireless network at home, even if you do not have a technical background. You'll find simple, easy-to-follow guidance on selecting the right equipment, installing your network devices properly, connecting to the Internet, safeguarding your information, fixing problems, and much more.

• Understand how wireless home networks work
• Compare today's wireless standards, and choose the right one for you

• Design your wireless network for maximum convenience, reliability, and simplicity
• Secure your network, step by step–and keep it secure
• Troubleshoot failed connections, poor coverage, and slow performance
• Temporarily allow guests onto your network without exposing your data
• Use your network to listen to music, view video, and play video games anywhere in your home
• Preview and prepare for tomorrow's wireless technologies

Wireless Home Networking Simplified cuts through the confusion, demystifies the technologies, and helps you make the most of wireless… quickly, simply, painlessly.

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

Category: Networking

Covers: Home Networking

$24.99 USA / $29.99 CAN

Jim Doherty is the vice president of marketing at CipherOptics, where he leads the outbound marketing teams. Prior to joining the CipherOptics team Jim held leadership positions with Symbol Technologies and Cisco®. Jim has more than 15 years of technical marketing and engineering experience and has led various marketing campaigns for IP telephony, routing and switching, and network security solutions. Jim is the coauthor of the Networking Simplified series of books published by Cisco Press. Jim is a former Marine Corps sergeant; he holds a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from N.C. State University and an M.B.A. degree from Duke University.

Neil Anderson is the senior manager of enterprise systems engineering with Cisco. Neil has more than 20 years of broad engineering experience including public telephone systems, mobile phone systems, Internet, and home networking. At Cisco, Neil's focus is on large corporate customers in the areas of routing and switching, wireless, security, and IP communications. Neil is the coauthor of the Networking Simplified series of books including Home Networking Simplified, Home Network Security Simplified, and Internet Phone Services Simplified. Neil holds a B.S. degree in computer science.

About the Author

About the Authors

Jim Doherty is the vice president of marketing at CipherOptics, where he leads the outbound marketing

teams. Prior to joining the CipherOptics team Jim held leadership positions with Symbol

Technologies and Cisco. Jim has more than 15 years of technical marketing and engineering experience

and has led various marketing campaigns for IP telephony, routing and switching, and network

security solutions. Jim is the coauthor of the Networking Simplified series of books published by

Cisco Press. Jim is a former Marine Corps sergeant; he holds a B.S. degree in electrical engineering

from N.C. State University and an M.B.A. degree from Duke University.

Neil Anderson is the senior manager of enterprise systems engineering with Cisco. Neil has more

than 20 years of broad engineering experience including public telephone systems, mobile phone

systems, Internet, and home networking. At Cisco, Neil's focus is on large corporate customers in the

areas of routing and switching, wireless, security, and IP communications. Neil is the coauthor of the

Networking Simplified series of books including Home Networking Simplified, Home Network

Security Simplified, and Internet Phone Services Simplified. Neil holds a B.S. degree in computer

science.

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