McGraw-Hill Illustrated Telecom Dictionary

I have both the 1st and 2nd edition of this book as well as the 3rd. I also have a copy of the ever popular Newton's Telecom Dictionary 17th edition, and the 15th. I use them both. Suprised, I have read the other reviews on this book and none do a comparison with Newtons Telecom Dictionary so here goes.....Newtons version covers LOTS of terms, with quick simple, sometimes too simple definitions. For acronyms it rules, if it is not here you probably wont find it anywhere. It is very simple and 99.99% text.The mcGraw version also has LOTS of terms even some that I could not find in the Newton Dictionary, but does not include frivilous terminology or interest items that Newtons does. What it does have are TONS and TONS of pictures-diagrams and more MEAT in the definitions (illustrations really help) that are certainly more valuable to the would be techie, or someone that really needs to understand the application of the terminology. The CD included with the book puts it in a class higher than the Newton package, with pages taken from other books and the whole dictionary in adobe format. The other book links are on the page of the definition they refer too. Only bad thing about this book is there are a few typos....The books are difficult to compare because they are so different in style. Anyone as serious as I am will probably opt for owning a copy of both.Simply stated, the Newton dictionary is more QUANTITY oriented, and the McGraw-Hill dictionary is extremely QUALITY oriented. I would rate them both a 5..... but since the Newtons does not come with the CD I gave it a 4.Anyone that will be working with voice PBX or IP Voice MUST have this 3rd edition book, just for the CD.

Jade Clayton's McGraw-Hill Illustrated Telecom Dictionary, now in its second edition, is a wonderful work I consult first when looking up a term. Deliberately focused on telephony terms, the book contains 3,000 definitions, along with 400 photos, diagrams, or charts. Clayton has a strong background with companies and explains topics well.The only comparable dictionary in this price range is Harry Newton's Telecom Dictionary, which tries to cover the entire field of communications. Keeping in mind Clayton's emphasis on traditional but up-to-date telecom definitions, Jade's book has many things Newton's work does not have: original writing throughout, a lower list price, photographs and diagrams, signature binding that won't fall apart, and a searchable CD ROM that features the book's entire text, as well as content from other McGraw Hill publications. This CD makes the book an even greater value, letting you keep the dictionary open on your computer while you work on your telecom research or writing. The extra material also lets you go further with many topics. This CD ROM and book project is quite an accomplishment.

I have been an MCSE for two years, and a CNE for four years. I recently attended a Cisco Systems boot camp for Systems Engineers which is where I received this book. The detailed definitions and diagrams are great for reference, and I don't think I will ever cover all of the material on the CD. This is a good dictionary that covers telecommunications from a data, voice, wireless, networking, electronics, service provider, and end user perspective. The best quality of this book, is that the definitions coverthe subjects in great detail, yet are defined in a way that are simple to understand.

I am a manager for a internet access company. I have many books about telecom. This one is the best of them all. The CD included is the best CD I have seen with a book. There are tremendous amounts of pages on anything telecom and network. The pictures and diagrams are important. It is well "illustrated". Its explainations are full and easy to understand. This will teach everything to new people changing in the field and also has advanced reference and detail. I recommend only this book, it is the best. Adam Rashad

I LOVE THIS BOOK I am in the midst of ordering more books here, and I saw this one come up in my search so I can not help but to comment on it! I have only had it for about a month and it is thrashed. I have tried very hard to get co-workers to explain telephony terms to me, and usually end up being more confused after listening to their explanations. The definition for T1 in this book is better than I have ever seen. Coming from a computer networking background and trying to work with telephone people was frustrating before I got this book. What I like the most, is that definitions are written so I can understand them, not telephone people. It is so ironic, that this is the least expensive book on my desk, yet the one that I use the most. I wish all technical books were written this way!!!!