Customer Rating:  
Summary: Great for WI-FI Newbie's !
Comment: Great for WI-FI Newbie's ! & WI-FI Users alike !
Customer Rating:
Summary: Not great, but OK for some.
Comment: The target reader seems to be a Win-XP user with a D-Link DI-624, who does not really want to learn much. If that is you, then this book may be fine for you. If you only want to run the wizards & menus & little else, great. I happen to use Win-XP on some machines, and have a D-Link DI-624 on one. But I actually was hoping to learn more, and this book disappointed me. I'm taking it back to Barnes & Noble.
The authors use acronyms(initials) but usually make you go to the index to find out what the initials stand for. Seldom is there an explanation of what it really means. Sometimes the acronyms/initials are not defined, and at least once, the initials were defined two ways at two points in the book (see MAC as medium access control on page 90 and media access control on page 123 & the index).
What I really disliked is the total omission of Linux, a bunch of the technologies & components involved in wireless, and a good explanation of the basics. This book omits way to much for me. The authors apparantly think readers do not need to understand wireless technology basics. I'm not looking for wireless network certification or employment, just good basic understanding and this book doesn't have it. It does have some good material for the newbie, and is not overly verbose, so 3 stars.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Good Advice and Hands-On Guidance from PC Magazine
Comment: This 414 page guide is a great resource for readers who are ready to create their first wireless network, or extend their current wired network with wireless features. If you already have a wireless network, you will still find a great collection of solutions for adding whole-house audio and video to your wireless network, security enhancements, and even a step by step guide for building your own neighborhood "hotspot."
Like the Neil Randall's previous book, PC Magazine Windows XP Solutuions, this one is packed with practical, hands-on guidance, written in an easy to understand and follow style. The Author never talks over your head, but doesn't insult your intelligence either. The book is rich with photos, computer screen captures, and diagrams, and the Authors have made generous use of sidebars and notes.
Chapter 8 Security Tips and Tricks had some enhancements that I was not already using (including a cool honeypot solution), and I thought that Chapter 14 Setting Up an Entertainment Network had a lot to offer.
The book also has some chapters in its last part on wireless solutions for mobile, and office which build and expand on information in the previous chapters. However, these are a bit thin, and probably things most network admins already know.
The real value in this book is its great guidance for building, extending and expanding a home network with wireless technologies. But, it is still appropriate for those of us who have a wireless network and are looking to enhance security, add new features, and troubleshoot problems.
Recommended.
|
|
