Head First Networking
Reviewed by Robert Pritchett
Authors: Al
Anderson, Ryan Benedetti
O'Reilly
Released: May 2009
Pages: 536
$55 USD, $69 CND
ISBN: 9780596521554
Strengths: Good
foundation on networking infrastructure for beginners.
Weaknesses: Outdated technologies emphasized. Overly simplistic in its approach to
educating on networking infrastructures. |
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Introduction
Frustrated
with networking books so chock-full of acronyms that your brain goes into sleep
mode? Head First Networking's unique, visually rich format provides a task-based approach to
computer networking that makes it easy to get your brain engaged. You'll learn
the concepts by tying them to on-the-job tasks, blending practice and theory in
a way that only Head First can.
With
this book, you'll learn skills through a variety of genuine scenarios, from
fixing a malfunctioning office network to planning a network for a high-technology
haunted house. You'll learn exactly what you need to know, rather than a
laundry list of acronyms and diagrams. This book will help you:
- Master
the functionality, protocols, and packets that make up real-world networking
- Learn
networking concepts through examples in the field
- Tackle
tasks such as planning and diagramming networks, running cables, and
configuring network devices such as routers and switches
- Monitor
networks for performance and problems, and learn troubleshooting techniques
- Practice
what you've learned with nearly one hundred exercises, questions, sample
problems, and projects
Head First's popular format is proven to stimulate learning and
retention by engaging you with images, puzzles, stories, and more. Whether
you're a network professional with a CCNA/CCNP or a student taking your first
college networking course, Head First Networking will help you become a network
guru.
What
I Learned
I used to teach low
voltage courses for union electricians. This book actually identified which wires in a Category 5 cable are
positive and negative and which direction the signal flows in the solid and
striped wires. Otherwise, most of
the information was dated and superficial. I tend to agree with the reviewers
on Amazon.com.
The book follows the
tried-and-true methods of the excellent Head First series. It falls short on being up-to-date on
networking technologies.
Conclusion
"Visually
rich", yes, technically rich, not so much. Great place to start, but you
need other books to dig deeper.
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