How the Internet Works

Simple, easy top read, give lots of indepth info for the non-techie and answers to all the questions you've wanted to ask.Great starter book on the internet for someone who wants to understand better everything from digital media technology to ASPs to how ISPs work.

Normally I don't review books but because this one is so GREAT I find myself compelled to . I teach HW classes and this book has been a great reference materiel. also for people who want to get a basic understanding of "How the internet Works". my classes are a little high level and not for everyone but this book is. I have told many people to read it. The Illustrations are the best I have ever seen.

I purchased this book a year or two ago and have come back to it many times as a reference. This is a visually-based book, which uses many illustrations to explain the functioning of the internet to the reader. Yes, there are a lot of areas where it glosses over things and it is very repetitive, but there are many parts where the large, clearly illustrated examples are without question the best explanation of some very complex systems. The book does spend a lot of time on simpler, less awe-inspiring technology like email and explaining how HTML works, but this is well balanced out by the visually-based explanations of how routers and other more dynamic aspects of the internet work together.The book also clearly spells out the differences between various access systems (DSL vs. Cable modems, vs. dial-in modems, vs. Satellite access) and also spends enough time outlining wireless internet access and other systems to allow the reader to see how the same 'system' used for the internet applies to these newer, more cutting edge applications. I think the book does a great job of showing and explaining all of the complexities behind the internet, without bogging the reader down with too much jargon and detail.

As an Internet instructor, I have found the book a must for my students. The book has improved since the previous edition by adding new information about the novelties of Internet technology. Moreover, you will find the drawings the most facsinating feature of the book. Take my word as professional in the field, there are stacks of data for you there. useful

This book presents this somewhat complicated subject in clear understandable language and diagrams. Both the novice and the experienced user/surfer will discover new facts or clear up a misconception about the technologies of the Internet. Many terms are defined and explained, including the interactions of computers and associated hardware devices, communications, software, and protocols.