Networks in a Flash: Making Broadband Work for You
by Hrair Aldermeshian & Thomas B. London
ISBN 0-929306-25-2
2003
352 pages, Paperback
$29.95 (US Dollars)
Author Bios: Aldermeshian, London

 Summary    Contents  

Networks in a Flash is a "how-to" guide that gives simple, straightforward, and tested recipes to network your home or office and connect it to the Internet quickly and securely. It shows how to create a network "out of the box" that is safe from Internet attacks and viruses, and that supports sharing printers and files.

The authors explain cable and DSL broadband access, and wired and wireless networks, and describe where wireless network components facilitate installation and support mobility. They give step-by-step instructions for the popular versions of the Windows operating system and readily available wired and wireless network components, and details showing how to share printers and files between computers.

Underlying each recipe and every example are simple principles to ensure that your network is secure from intrusions and attacks from Internet hackers. Networks in a Flash has a chapter that discusses securing a network and protecting against viruses, and one describing troubleshooting techniques, both invaluable to anyone using computers and networks. The book includes explanations of network and security concepts that educate but do not "get in the way" of setting up and running a typical home or office network.

Networks in a Flash includes complete and easy-to-follow guidelines to

• Select a wired or wireless "network plan."
• Itemize a purchase list of any needed network or wireless components, including a low-cost "gateway router" to provide security and sharing.
• Set up for cable or DSL installation.
  Install your network and configuring your computers.
  • Set up virus protection.
  • Configure your computers to share printers and files.
  • Troubleshoot installation and day-to-day issues.

  Networks in a Flash is an easy to follow book for novices through experts that provides exactly the right amount of information and detail to manage the complexity of computers, software, and networks. This book is an excellent guide for networking with cable or DSL.

Chapters:

• 1 INTRODUCTION
• 2 INSANELY QUICK ROADMAP
• PART 1 BACKGROUND
• 3 NETWORK CONCEPTS
• 4 NETWORK COMPONENTS
• PART 2 BUILDING YOUR NETWORK
• 5 PLANNING FOR BROADBAND SERVICE
• 7 SETTING UP CABLE MODEM SERVICE
• 8 SETTING UP DSL MODEM SERVICE
• 9 SETTING UP YOUR NETWORK 83
• 10 CONNECTING: PUT IT ALL TOGETHER
• 11 SECURING YOUR NETWORK
• 12 PRINTER AND FILE SHARING
• PART 3 ASSISTANCE AND CONCEPTS
• 13 ADDITIONAL ASSISTANC
• 14 PROTECTING YOUR NETWORK
• 15 VIRUSES AND MALICIOUS SOFTWARE
• 16 ENCRYPTION AND AUTHENTICATION
• PART 4 FIXING PROBLEMS
• 17 CONSOLIDATED TROUBLESHOOTING
• APPENDIXES
• A TEMPLATES
• B INSTALLING NETWORK ADAPTERS
• C CONFIGURING WINDOWS XP
• D CONFIGURING WINDOWS 2000
• E CONFIGURING WINDOWS ME
• F CONFIGURING WINDOWS 98
• G CONFIGURING INTERNET OPTION
• H CONFIGURING NETGEAR ROUTER
• I WIRELESS ONLY INSTALLATION
• J NORTON ANTIVIRUS
• GLOSSARY
• INDEX