Everything Internet Book

It is quite unusual to find a book on the Internet written by someone for whom english is not a second language. And it is even more unusual for an author to not assume that you are already well-versed in the subject. Especially useful is McDonnell's section on search engines, which lists their websites and explains how to use them. For example, she tells you how to "...monitor what's being said about your favorite hot topic in the thousands of discussion groups on the Internet... you can easily search by subject, newsgroup name, date, or writer of the posted messages." I keep this book right next to my computer and use it almost every day.

This book was a great one to start out with if you'd like to know how to do what everyone (it seems) is doing on the net these days. Learning the basics isn't that hard, and this book does a good job with it.

There are a number of helpful Internet guides available in print today that target a variety of reading audiences. One of the better ones published in recent years for beginners is Sharon McDonnell's The Everything Internet Book. She offers a broad treatment of the Internet scene. Readers will not thumb through this book for long before realizing that it covers just about every possible aspect of the Internet. Beginners will learn how to find an Internet Service Provider (ISP), how to install and use the leading Web browsers, e-mail programs, and plug-ins, how to search the Internet, how to send e-mail, how to design Websites, and how to select good domain names and avoiding registering the wrong ones! McDonnell provides her readers with warnings of some of the pitfalls and dangers of operating online. She warns readers of computer viruses, of how easy it is for rumors to spread online, snooping, privacy, and legal issues. Employees for instance, are advised to think very carefully before composing and sending e-mail correspondence from their computers at work. Parents will learn how to keep their kids safe from online dangers as well. McDonnell offers a number of valuable resources her readers can access for additional assistance. Many of the chapters include references to other helpful books and Websites. Readers are invited to grab free Web graphics, shareware programs, and loads of tips and advice made available online by others. A directory listing at the back of the book offers access to some of the better sites online today. McDonnell does a great job opening up the world of the Internet for beginners. This is an excellent guide for anyone to get started with. Adults and children alike will benefit from the instruction offered in this fun, humorous, easy-to-read, and delightful guide. Great for gifts and classroom use!