TCP/IP JumpStart: Internet Protocol Basics

In 1982, TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), the four-year-old suite of computer language procedures developed especially for communications, was adopted as the standard language of ARPAnet--the precursor to the Internet. This well-illustrated book of basics readily provides plenty of information, from the ground up, about TCP/IP and its implementation today, using very simple analogies. (It features hardware nodes as people with monitors for faces).

The book is clearly for beginners; almost no knowledge of computers is required, and few who have any engineering background will relish the simple anthropomorphic approach. The book is arranged as a tutorial course, complete with exercises and tests throughout. Each of the 12 chapters announces its objectives to the student in advance. After a topic is mastered there is little purpose in consulting the book again (except for review). Although excellent as an introduction, it is not useful as a reference book. The publisher claims TCP/IP JumpStart is a great way to begin preparation for any networking certification. It is certainly true that this thorough introduction will give the reader an appreciation of what lies ahead, and indeed gives a jump-start on the process. --Wilf Hey