[.ca] Computer Networking First-Step (ISBN 1587201011)

The text is thoroughly "learner friendly":
Computer Networking First-Step by Wendell Odom (Senior Instructor, Skyline Advanced Technologies Services) is an ideal introduction into the phenomena and usages of networking for personal or professional purposes. Novices computer networking will learn basic networking terminology; understanding how information is routed on the internet from computer to computer and place to place; explore internet connectivity; find out how to best protect a network-linked computer from intrusion; and how to build local-area networks (LANs). Enhanced with illustrative line drawings, the text is thoroughly "learner friendly" and very highly recommended.

Computer Networking First-Step:
Wendell Odom has achieved his goal of providing a good introductory networking book for beginners and, as a bonus, a good review for intermediates. For the most part, the claims of "no experience required" and learning made "easy" are fulfilled. He accomplishes this throughout the book with good humor and consistent figures. Having each chapter's test questions repeated in the appendix prior to giving answers was particularly helpful. For the most part, Odom shows striking sensitivity for the novice. For example, it was helpful to redraw figures (like 9-4, p. 188) rather than having to flip back and forth. On the other hand, some figures were hard to follow. For example, which "cloud" is referenced in the text for Figure 3-8 (p. 55). In addition, Figure 15-4 was referenced on page 323 as a "three-site Frame Relay network" but the reader is left wondering whether the author is referring to 15-3 or 15-5 (as 15-4 cannot be a reference to the same). While repeated attempts were successfully made to simply drawings, at times this was not helpful as in the case of his discussion of wiring. He should have stuck with a four-pair wiring figure (p. 72). Perhaps he should have enhanced the discussion with focus on color codes and further defined T568A and T568B as voice and data respectively. It is helpful for a novice to pick up a cable and know by color which pin is number one through eight. While one can appreciate the challenge of writing for the novice, at times it seems concepts were over simplified. For example, calling wall plates "sockets" (p. 7) may be somewhat dangerous to the proverbial novice who thinks his/her CD Rom to be a cup holder. Precision when dealing with and around electricity would dictate a few more definitions and pages of text. It wasn't for about 30 more pages that a fuller picture of cabling was presented. Also a bit over simplified were calling the telco professional an "electrician" (p. 9) and the use of the word "license" (p. 356). At times the reader was late in getting definitions of terms (byte, p. 41; MAC/Ethernet address, p. 94; VLANS, p. 135). I believe that this is a book I can use on the job and in pursuing my CCNA. However, some concept that were covered in my CCNA training, like ISDN, were not found in the text. So, there are limits to how this book can assist the CCNA candidate. I would definitely read other titles by this author and his team of technical editors. I give Computer Networking First-Step a 4.5 rating on a scale of 1 to 5. An on-line errata page would greatly assist the reader in filling in some of gaps, typos, etc. missed by the author and editors.

Computer Networking First-Step:
Computer Networking first-step, (ISBN 1587201010) by Wendell Odom earns 4.5 jalapenos out of 5 as an excellent book for someone who is completely new to computer networks and is looking to gain a basic level of knowledge. If you are looking for a "conversational" level of understanding, this book will serve you well. As advertised, Computer Networking first-step requires no experience and makes learning very easy. The format employed is one of relating the concept of computer networking to a roadway transportation system. This presentation makes the ideas easy to learn and understand since it simply flows as an extension of a known system the most people already understand. If you are looking for a certification reference, this book doesn't provide enough depth for adequate exam preparation, but then it doesn't claim to either. What it does lay claim to is explaining, "The basics of computer networking in easy-to-grasp language that all of us can understand." And in that regard, it wholeheartedly delivers. Each chapter begins with a "What you will learn" page that lists the major objectives of that particular chapter and ends with short list of review questions to ensure you have understood the topics presented. The answers to the questions are located towards the end of the book with thorough and clear explanations. As a networking professional in the telecom industry, I have used this book as a reference and guide to explain computer network concepts to folks on the telephone side of the business. This has been of great benefit in the collaborative environment of designing and deploying IP Telephony solutions and is just one example of how an "entry-level" book such as this one can utilized by professionals in their daily operations and earns it a well deserved place on the reference shelf. If I were to make one suggestion, it would be to include a CD with an electronic version of the book, but that is just a personal preference that could perhaps raise the cost of the book. If you are in the market for an introductory book on computer networking, this book definitely provides the bang for your buck.

Computer Networking First-Step:
Cisco has raised the bar on helping people understand networking. Computer Networking first-step is by far the best introduction to the complex world of networks and networking! This book is definitely written for those who want to get into networking, but do not know where to start. The first chapter takes you through and answers the question "What is a network?" and by the end of the book you have an understanding on what to look out for those intending to do harm to your network via the Internet and such. Computer Networking first-step is one of the most easily read and understandable books out there on networking. Most books out there state to be an introductory book but lack the fundamentals principles by which to teach its reader. You really get a feel for what the world of networks, the concepts that build networks and how everything falls into place right from the very beginning. The illustrations in the book are extremely helpful while teaching each lesson. This preps the reader on what to expect if the decide to continue their journey with Cisco while pursuing one of their many certification paths. One of the greatest aspects of this book is the superior writing of each and every chapter. The author talks to you in a very upbeat and conversational way. There is a kind of mentorship occurring by which he uses everyday examples and incorporates them into learning about the subject at hand. The chapter summaries in Computer Networking first-step are right on target. The author stresses the most fundamental and vital points again to make sure the reader is completely ready to move on and build upon what each chapter has to offer. This book is again by far the best thing I have read concerning this topic of Networking. I wish this series had come out sometime sooner when I was just starting out years ago. If you are thinking about getting into the world of Networking, Computer Networking first-step is definitely the only book you will need to start your journey of understanding and learning from the world leader of networking, Cisco Systems. Cisco and Wendell Odom have done it again!

Computer Networking First-Step by Wendell Odom:
Wendell Odom has put together a very nice introductory networking book for the beginner. I believe he has put together a book that will benefit anyone that is thinking about entering into a networking career. This book will also serve as a very good basic knowledge book for the entry-level technician. This is a book that can be used if someone is considering the pursuit of the CCNA certification. However, this book does not go to the depth necessary to be the only book for that certification. But I do not believe this book was intended for that path. This book is designed mainly for the novice and is written in that light. So if you are looking for a very technical detailed book for computer networking, this book is not for you. If your are stepping into the networking arena for the very first time and want a book that explains networking technologies in an easy to understand format then this book is definitely the one you need to have in your library. Computer Networking first-step, (ISBN 1-58720-101-1) by Wendell Odom is very well written in a layman's point of view for basic networking knowledge. The book is divided into six parts and provides an overview of each of the major components of local and wide area networks, networking basics, routing, addressing, and security and remote access. Each chapter presents the learning objectives of the chapter, detailed, concise and clear text on the learning objectives throughout each chapter, a chapter summary and finally a set of review questions to test what you have just read. The references to highways and roadways is a very clever angle that Wendell Odom has incorporated to aid the reader into understanding the concept being discussed. I can see this book coming in handy when attempting to explain basic networking technologies to the uninitiated into networking. There are very many simple and clear illustrations that can assist the novice into a better understanding of different aspects of networking. I really like the stepped approach that Wendell Odom used to build the readers knowledge base. From the basics of what a switch and hub are to the more complexities of local and wide area networks. Finally finishing the book off with network security. This is and has always been a hot topic in my line of work. Giving the novice a taste of network security lets them know that there is more work to do after building a network whether it is at home or at work. There are many introductory books on the market today that cover several of the topics in this book but they tend to be on the expensive side. Computer Networking first-step, (ISBN 1-58720-101-1) by Wendell Odom covers the basics of computer networking very well and is priced just right. You definitely will get your moneys worth with this book. I have read several books by Wendell Odom in the past and this one ranks very well with the other more technical books that he has written. I like the way that Wendell Odom writes his books and Computer Networking first-step, (ISBN 1-58720-101-1) by Wendell Odom is written just as well. His ability to write this book at a basic level and not lose the reader's attention with very dry technical specifications is a testimonial to his writing ability. It is very easy for me to recommend this book and any future (or past) books written by Wendell Odom. Well Done!