The Complete Idiot's Guide to High Speed Internet Connections

Working in the IT field, I found this book to be very helpful-- especially from a historical perspective--explaining the various highspeed options available. I read this, although I have been trouble-shooting highspeed issues on a helpdesk, for a long time. When studying for Network +, I read references about T1 lines, and other methods of highspeed access that I have never used, personally, or only used in a corporate office invironment, as a User.This book explains all the (mostly out-dated, in heavily populated areas) technologies, and helps to grasp the basics when studying for the Network+ certification.

DSL? Cable Modem? Satellite? Wireless? These are among the choices you will have to make if you decide to "upgrade" to high speed Internet access. It's difficult to know which one will work best for you. This book helps to explain the differences between each of them. The introductory part explains ways to get higher speeds from your current analog modem before diving into the different kinds of high speed Internet options you have. The second part of the book is divided into chapters explaining ISDN, DSL, satellite, and wireless Internet and how each one works. It also gives you an idea of which specific type might work best for your individual needs. The next part of the book is divided into chapters explaining how to install whichever service you've decided on, complete with "installation checklists" at the end of these chapters.There are also a couple chapters devoted to keeping your PC secure from "hacker attacks," which is always a problem, but even more so if you have this kind of Internet connection. Finally, there's a section devoted to troubleshooting problems, even a glossary at the book's end so you can familiarize yourself with related terms, and if nothing else amaze your friends with your knowledge of this technology!This book provides an excellent overview of the high speed Internt technology available today.

I have read some of Mark Soper's works in the past (Upgrading and Repairing PCs Technician's Portable Reference, his articles in SmartComputing, etc.) and have always found them informative and relevent to my purposes. This book is no different. Soper presents broadband technology in a way that is both extremly detailed and easy to understand. It is humorous and very readable, qualities not often found in computer books. Yet it covers the topics (ISDN, DirectPC/Duo, DSL, Cable, etc) throughly and doesn't skimp on any vital detail. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who is considering broadband service, anyone who has it already, or just anyone who enjoys learning about emerging technologies.

I have read some of Mark Soper's work before (Upgrading and Repairing PCs, SmartComputing, etc.) and have always found it to informative and relevant to what I needed. This book is no exception. Incredibly readable and humorous for a computer book, it provides an excellent balance between technical detail and practical knowledge. Easy to understand and yet packed with information, this is a must have book for anyone even slightly interested in high-speed Internet access. I recommend this book to anyone who is considering broadband, anyone who already has it, or just anyone who enjoys emerging technologies.