Mrs. Mecomber's Scrapbook Talking technology, computers, and the Internet… for the average computer user

I saw this book while browsing the library shelves. It’s called How Networks Work, by Frank Derfler, Jr., and Les Freed. It’s a great book!

I run my home network. We have so many computers in the house that the computer maintenance keeps me very busy. But I have to admit, when I am doing network stuff, I’m flying by the seat of my pants. A lot of my efforts are mostly trial and error.

So when I saw this book, I thought it would help me understand the in’s and out’s of what I am doing. It’s a good book because it’s written very simply, with lots of pictures and disgrams. The first half of the book is about the history of the network, which is really the history of telecommunications (starting with the telegraph and going through time). I found it to be interesting (and very educational), but it does take a long time to get to the part about how networks really work. I have found myself a little impatient at times while reading it. Sure, the wireless mysterious air tools of telegraphy can be fascinating but I really expected to crack open the book and learn all about networking from the start!

Nonetheless, I recommend this book! If you’re needing some education, need to figure out the concept behind your own network, or are simply curious, this is for you. It’s very comprehensive but extremely readable. Thumbs up!

It’s found at Amazon.com, but your local library may also have it.