Zen and the Art of the Internet: A Beginner's Guide

by Brendan P. Kehoe

s/t: A Beginner's Guide
Critics agree-this is still the best introductory guide to the Internet. Now fully revised and updated, this national bestseller includes a new section on using the World Wide Web and an appendix on HTMLs (with a pull-out reference card to HTML). Places special emphasis on child security and the Internet.

Genres: Science

Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Erik Graff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started using the internet through Loyola University in the early eighties. One would log on to one's terminal connected to the university mainframe, dial down to the University of Illinois in Champaign and link up through them to other schools throughout the country. I'd use it for what amounted to the occasional email. Beyond that, at the local Socialist Party office in Chicago we had a Morrow Decisionmaker, a machine which cost thousands, which our national secretary would use to participate in discussion fora--something I watched but didn't participate in. At the time this particular book was written personal computers had taken over. At home I was using a 286 purchased through work and had a dial-up connection to the internet. It was all very wonderful and got more wonderful month by month. I didn't get much out of this soon-outdated book but an increased sense of excitement.

[Mochalina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you were not on the Internet in the early to mid 90's then don't bother with this book. If you were there then you'll totally love this book. It really brings you back to those times and stirred up all kinds of wonderful old memories about those days on the Internet. A true classic book that captures a relatively very short period in human history that was very special to many of us. RIP Brenden and thanks for capturing in words this wonderful time capsule for all humanity. I believe this is one of those unique books that people will read hundreds of years in the future (when it's purely legend) and discuss and write articles about the nostalgia and retro aspects of it.

[Maori Pérez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some things were pretty obvious, other too complicated, and overall it seems pretty outdated. Above all, there's nothing zen about the book; it looks like the author didn't want to name it "internet for idiots" and randomly chose to call it a zen book when it is not. On it's behalf, it's a short book, and all in all very legible.

[Mirrordance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un libro "datato" che ben spiega cosa era la rete poco dopo la sua nascita. Bisogna aver vissuto quel periodo o aver letto di quel mondo per alcuni versi così diverso dal nostro. Efficace ed interessante e apparentemente lontano lontano nel passato.

[Alex Gabriel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Covered everything I already know. I skipped through the majority of it

[Alison Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The very first mainstream book on the internet. The first book to hit public consciousness. The first book to explain the internet in layman's terms. Even today, many years later, there still so much to get out of it. It's still on my bookshelf in work, next to my K&R and my O'Reilly collection.

Brendan, you're nearly two years gone now, and we miss you. Gone but never forgotten.