Review of ‘Home Networking: A Visual DIY Guide’

TBR writes “This guide to home networking is designed for the technically naïve Windows user looking to build a basic network to share files, printers and an internet connection. It assumes no previous knowledge, indeed it assumes minimal technical knowledge altogether, not just when it comes to networking. As such the book proceeds very slowly, giving very high-level explanations of the technology before moving on to step-by-step instructions. There are illustrations aplenty, with many screen-shots to steady the nerves of even the most cautious reader.

The book is organised into three parts. The first is a very basic introduction to what a local area network is, including discussion of wired versus wireless and a run-down on the hardware components: NICs, hubs, routers etc. Part two looks at building your network, from choosing the network type to buying the hardware to getting it all installed to some basic configuration. To get an idea of the level that this is pitched at, there are even illustrations to show you how to install an ethernet card into a PC (complete with pictures to show you how to take a slot out of the back of a machine for a PCI card).

The final part of the book looks at security, sharing resources (i.e. setting up network shares etc), and additional enhancements, such as adding web cams, gaming options etc.

Read the rest at TechBookReport“