Upgrading & troubleshooting networks : the complete reference

This tome is divided into eight easily manageable portions and begins with some warm-up exercises on basic network topologies and the OSI model before moving on to hardware such as network interface cards, cabling, hubs, switches and routers. Next, you get the low-down on network protocols and this section includes particularly good coverage of TCP/IP. You're introduced to the main network operating systems although Unix receives little more than a cursory glance. Windows NT/2000 and Active Directory get the lion's share of the spotlight but this is not at the expense of NetWare and NDS (Novell Directory Services). Network Connection Services takes an in-depth look at DHCP, WINS, NetBIOS and DNS, Network Services briefs you on Internet access and network printing and the book rounds off with Windows network administration, general management tactics and some useful troubleshooting tips.

Commendably, the author is not afraid to dish out some down-to-earth advice--don't implement 100VG-AnyLAN as it's been all but abandoned, leave ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) well alone as it's too complex and expensive--and so on. As the author points out in his introduction, you can't begin to fix or upgrade your network until you understand what's going on behind the scenes. Upgrading & Troubleshooting Networks provides that information and more making it an ideal reference guide for newcomers to networking and administrators alike. --Dave Mitchell