Computer Networks and Internets [With CDROM and Companion Website Access Code Card]

I had to use this book for a networking class at my university. It presents a nice overview and goes a little in depth into various aspects of networking. It covers networking from the ground up, explaining each layer of the OSI and the components that compose each layer. I would recommend it to a beginner or amateur to networking.

This is the best book to read for people who want to start into the world of computer networks, but may not come from a computer science background. If you've got a good background in CS, or are already familiar with computer/math theory, go get Andrew Tanenbaum's 'Computer Networks', as Comers book will probably not hold enough technical details for you.This book does not require much rigorous/mathematical thinking to read through and gives a great introduction to many networking topics. (a quick example of this is how Comer mentions the CRC computing techniques only to a certain, friendly level while Tanenbaum's book jumps right into the explicit details of doing the computations by hand!!!)In his over-all progression from the physical, data transmitting wires of a network to software application's that use networks, Comer covers a good chunk of what networks are and how they work without losing you in detail's involving lot's of 0's and 1's. :) And if after reading this book you're still hungry for more knowledge on what you'll then know to be Computer Networks, then go read Tanenbaum's book.

What this book provides: --- This book explains the concepts of networking very clearly. You should be able to walk away from this book with the fundamentals on a variety of networking subjects. If you are looking for a book to give you an excellent introduction to networking, this is it.What this book does not provide: --- This book will not make you an expert in any one subject. If you want to know everything that there is to know about routers, for example, then this is not the right book for you. END

This is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about the internet, networking and some of the underlying hardware architecture and software theories. A non-technical book, designed to give readers a general understanding. If you're new, unexperienced and feel a little intimidated, don't worry. Mr. Comer will guide you step by step and soon you will become familiar with some of the technologies used today. LAN/WAN? ATM? DNS? Switches? Routers? OC? TCP/IP? ICMP? FTP? SNMP? You will be able to define all of these and know what they are used for. Although remember, theory only! Mid-level networking professionals may gain a little knowledge by skimming through the book, but experience users will probably find this book a bore. This book is catered toward the novice, and it's a good one at that. A nice piece of work.

Comer beautifully explains all the fundamental concepts and terminologies in today's ever changing computer world. This book is very up-to-date with the current technological scene, so, I highly recommend this book. With the online help feature and CD, this book is extremely ready for today's use of the Internet. Also, this book is Y2K complaint! :-) Can't beat that.