Computer Networking First-Step Paperback – Big Book, 13 May 2004

Great

I originally bought the book because it had fairly good reviews, and I had a poor understanding of networking and how it actually works (although I've networked computers in my home and such). I'm a CS major so I find this stuff interesting, and needed a good place to start on networking since it is not my area of expertise.I've been inspired to write a review of my experience with the book, partially in response to a long review stating that the book was rather verbose.To start, this is an excellent book aimed at those interested in networking. Not 'how to set up a home network' or 'how to configure windows XP to network', but on the specifics of what networking actually is, how it came about, and how it works. It's a perfect first step, but also a big step in that you come out knowing more about how networks work than many people in computer fields (perhaps not IT professionals who network for a living).The book is definitely taught using analogies and language that anyone familiar with computers will understand, yet vocabulary terms actually used are also defined and you learn them throughout the text.The book is verbose, yes. Nevertheless, I think the way the book is written is very, very good. The truth is I read through the whole book in a week because I couldn't put it down. I would read 2-3 chapters a day. It's simply interesting, and the author makes the read enjoyable. If you shorten it and say 'there are networking standards that are a good thing', you not only are slightly limited in the fact that you do not truly consider how beneficial standards are, but you also would be very bored reading through a book that was written in such a manner. Instead, the author can be enjoyable, funny, and allows you to sit back and learn the material without forcing yourself to. You will find that you want to keep reading.In contrast, I am interested in databases and database design. I have a book that is full of high quality concepts and material. It definitely covers everything I need to know. The problem is I am having the hardest time getting through the book. I have to force myself to read 10 pages. It's boring, even though the topic is interesting.So while this book has some text that you do not need to read, there is a high chance you come out with more knowledge simply because you actually do get through the learning part of the material - you simply don't realize it until you're done with the book and realize how much more you actually understand.The first few chapters are fairly basic. They discuss the internet and simple networking concepts that many people interested in this book will already know. Do not let this stop you, however, as a few chapters into the book you truly begin to hit the core of networking and understanding how it works - all of it. From the physical wiring, to the different methods of connecting, transfering, routing, sending, receiving, data...it's all there.Therefore I truly recommend this book to anyone interested in the whole concepts of networking. If you are looking for a specific application of networking (windows xp configuration, only tcp/ip, etc), then get a different book. If you want to understand what networking really is - all of networking - then get this book. It's good, and chances are high you will actually finish the entire book unlike most other textbooks people purchase where you only finish a few chapters before you retire the book for 'reference' purposes only. The knowledge gained will put you exactly where you need to be to move onto more complex topics relating to specific areas of networking, and you will know what you want to look more into and already have a good foundation for the topic before you even begin.

Wendell Odom is a highly respected author of Cisco training material, with Computer Networking First Steps Odom lays the foundations for future study and understanding of networking. After reading this you will have a much better understanding of the fundamental principles involved. Highly Reccomended.

"Makes learning easy" is written on the cover of this book. And Wendell Odom keeps this promise! And this is special - very special! (In fact lots of authors don't even care whether they make it easy to learn!) How does Wendell Odom reach his goal? He uses a language that is easy to read. He uses associations - e.g. he compares networks with pracel services (a technique that is recommended by every learing methodology). And Wendell Odom repeats the important concepts. So the book is easy to read, easy to understand and after you read it you really understand the concepts. I just hope that Wendell Odom will issue soon the book "second-step". I would immediately buy it!

I have read almost 145 pages thus far. I had just finished a networking class at the local college and found this book excellent. It filled in a several gaps by using common every day language and going easy on the computer speak. Do not get me wrong, this book will also take care of all the needed speak as well. I'll explain. If someone were to point out a dog and say "that's a blackus carnivorous caninius fourus leggadus" You would probably say what the #@$% did you just say?, instead of just saying "there's a black dog" then explaining in layman's terms what the jargon means. Overall for me, a great book (and yes, I did get an A in the class!).