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Networking All-In-One Desk Reference for Dummies

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If you're setting up a network at home or creating and managing one for business, there are dozens of things to consider. "Networking All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies, 2nd Edition" replaces a whole shelf full of reference books with one handy volume that covers just what you need to know. And with technology changing faster than the colors in a rock band's light show, you'll be glad this updated edition includes the latest information.Written by Doug Lowe, who's been managing corporate networks for more than 20 years, this helpful guide shows you how to work with all Windows XP service packs as well as Fedora Linux. It's made up of nine minibooks that coverNetworking basicsBuilding a networkNetwork administration and securityTroubleshooting and disaster planningTCP/IP and the InternetHome networkingWireless networkingWindows 2003 server referenceLinux referenceIf you're a networking newbie, the first two minibooks gives you all the startup information to get your network up and running. If you've already done that, you're probably interested in keeping it running at peak performance. Book IV is loaded with information about finding, diagnosing, and fixing problems you might encounter. Looking for the scoop on keeping your network safe from online bad guys? Check Book III. Want to go wireless? Book VII tells you what you need to know.In these pages, you'll find out how toPlan your network, select interface cards, hubs, and routers, and install all the hardware and softwareSet up your network so it's easy to use but hard to break intoCreate a disaster recovery planUnderstand IP addresses, subnetting, routing, DHCP, DNS, and other TCP/IP protocols and toolsIncorporate other gadgets into your home network, including VoIP Internet-based telephone serviceTake advantage of the economical Linux networking alternativeBest of all, it's easy to locate what you need. There's even a handy "cheat sheet" that puts really important information about cabling rules, private IP address ranges, valuable network administration tips, and helpful Web sites at your fingertips. With this book on hand, you'll experience a net increase in your networking prowess!

829 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1994

442 people are currently reading
676 people want to read

About the author

Doug Lowe

179 books11 followers

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5 stars
126 (33%)
4 stars
118 (31%)
3 stars
107 (28%)
2 stars
20 (5%)
1 star
9 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Ali.
424 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2019
The first pages of this book cautioned not to read it all the way through, but here's the thing: I don't like being told what to do. So, this behemoth is the only book I've read this entire month, but I've sure read it! And did actually learn a lot, and know what topics I want to explore further in other books as well.
Profile Image for Matt Simmons.
104 reviews8 followers
May 15, 2018
The early modules provide a solid overview of the theoretical background behind topics, but the later ones are a mixed bag. The module on cloud computing is very weak--someone reading a book on networking doesn't really need to be introduced to Dropbox as a service, and there's no discussion of *aaS. The module on Linux feels tacked on and forced, as the author is obviously writing to a Windows-userland audience, but felt compelled to at least give a passing mention of Apache. If you are in Windows userland, there are some strong modules and excellent content here for that; but as that's not me, I found those significant portions of the book to be superfluous for my purposes.

Still, the early modules do provide an excellent general-knowledge and theoretical background of networking principles for someone, like me, who's new to them.
Profile Image for Brian Salehi.
48 reviews9 followers
January 1, 2021
You will read everything you need to know about networks to say wow and even more up to the point when you say okay this is cool but why should I care?
This happens when you are new to the topic and you face too much details than you really need.
If you're a programmer or a network habits/specialist, then this book will give you the big picture and enough details to get up and running on your own field.
I'm not aware of other network books, but I'm giving this a 4 start because of some over simplification when the topic doesn't need one, and some over explanation when brevity was required.
Profile Image for C.
1,233 reviews1,023 followers
March 20, 2023
Quite basic, but engaging, not dry.

Notes
Circuit-level gateway: manages connections between clients and servers based on TCP/IP addresses and port numbers; after connection is established, gateway doesn’t interfere with packet flow.

Application gateway: firewall that's more intelligent than a packet-filtering firewall, stateful packet inspection firewall, or circuit-level gateway firewall; knows details about applications that generate packets (e.g., web application gateway is aware of details of HTTP packets); also works as proxy server.
Profile Image for Arnas.
19 reviews
October 8, 2023
Very good book if you are just starting out in IT field and want a all-in-one book to cover all the basics in IT. Wish i had this book when i started in IT service desk. Although it is called "Networking", but networking only takes i would say 50-60% of this book, rest is other IT related and general stuff.
Profile Image for Lynne Martin Veilleux.
11 reviews1 follower
January 6, 2020
Not really for Dummies I read the complete book but I'm not sure I am much ahead.

Good for reference.
The part for Linux could be a seperate book.
A part on networking copiers would have been nice.
Profile Image for Ben.
2,734 reviews227 followers
May 10, 2022
I liked this!

I have been learning more-and-more about networking, cybersecurity, and system administration.

This was a good book on networking, and I got quite a bit out of it.

As a CCNA, I already know a lot of this though.

3.9/5
Profile Image for CD .
663 reviews77 followers
February 21, 2009
When the network is down, or not up yet, and you can't find the appropriate reference material via the computer or network . . .

This is a d***** handy book to have on the shelf!

Every question you may have won't be answered by this 10-in-1 single volume but you won't even begin to ask every question that is addressed herein. Well, you might if you set up lots of networks, but by that time I hope you will have added some additional reference material!

Doug Lowe's latest will guide you through your first installation or answer a lot of questions in your 101st, middle of the night-got to get the network running or other 'moment' with the Wonderful World of Networks.

I've been working with networks of all flavors for over a quarter of a century (yes they've been around that long and longer) and I always like to see a new worthy additions to the resource 'pile'. This is one of those that not only will save time, but money as it combines multiple titles in one binding.

Oh, yes, it is paper that can be written on so those notes as to that 'special' address list, or that ornery password, or some esoteric set of options (You know, -h -r -s*** /we_are_totally_ ......) well that won't happen as often with only *one* volume to carry around or pull off the shelf.

Recommended for any user who needs a reference to a wide ranging knowledge base for networks at any given time. If nothing else it is a great note repository of where to go next!!



Profile Image for Patrick.
129 reviews5 followers
April 24, 2012
This was a good overview of a huge topic. I'm using it to get ready for the Network+ certification exam, and I think it provided me with a good depth-of-field check. Pretty easy reading, and filled with solid information. Some of it's a little fluffy with screen shots, but that's not all bad, if you haven't encountered the program very often.

This would be a good reference to have at your desk as a tech or network admin. Basic for some, it does have a lot of crunchy bits. I'm glad I burned through it. Note that the All-In-One book, to me, is a lot better than the standard Networking for Dummies. It cuts down on the utter basics and gets to the important stuff about a litany of topics.

Recommended for people in the early phases of studying for Network+, any of the Microsoft server certs, or for people about to embark upon real-world networking.
460 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2019
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the fundamentals of networking and/or to an individual who is responsible for network management.
It is an expansive work discussing the multiple applications and programs that one might encounter or utilize in their own network. The concepts discussed are in many instances quite basic. But every section appears to include tidbits that are valuable and often not considered or forgotten over a period of time.
There are several examples with screenshots directing the reader through a step-by-step installment. I have never found these to be particularly useful in that in most cases the screen shot shown in the book or u-tube is not the screen shot I pull up. However, the author provides useful suggestions that on might use in setting up the application.
Profile Image for Meagan.
26 reviews
March 24, 2009
Literally, this is one of my textbooks for graduate school. It's uber-informative, albeit a bit dry sometimes. However, I think it'll serve as a good reference for the future once the class is over!
Profile Image for Braxton Story.
22 reviews
June 3, 2015
Read this in my spare time over the last few weeks. A lot of basic information is covered, and is a great resource for beginners. There are bits and pieces the experienced user can use as well. Overall it was nicely put together.
Profile Image for Ellen Smith.
3 reviews1 follower
August 5, 2009
I learned just enough to be dangerous. I have a very high tech network infrastructure and this helped me to know what my staff are talking about, at least a little bit.
Profile Image for Sammy Iam.
4 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2013
Needed to learn wifi fundamentals in a weekend. Mission completed! Language is super clear and easy.
Profile Image for Jason.
7 reviews
July 27, 2012
This book got me into networking and helped me change careers.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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