"Networking Made Easy: Get Yourself Connected," part of the "Computers Made Easy" series by James Bernstein, is a great book for people who are new to computer networks. The author has successfully managed to simplify complex concepts, making them accessible to beginners.
The book starts with foundational concepts, and then builds on them, defining LANs, WANs, etc. The author also discusses the essential hardware components: routers, switches, modems, and more.
Bernstein is known for his straightforward, jargon-free language – always a plus, imho. His use of simple explanations accompanied by practical analogies helps demystify complex terms and concepts.
It’s not just about theory, though; as the book progresses, you will discover chapters that provide step-by-step guides on how to set up and configure both wired and wireless networks. The author has included lots of screenshots to illustrate the processes, thus helping people understand what’s supposed to happen even if they read this book without having access to a computer - on their way to work or school, maybe.
"Networking Made Easy" also has a section dedicated to fixing common network issues. And the basic, and yet effective security measures will help readers protect their networks without feeling overwhelmed by lots of technical details.
If you are an advanced system administrator, this book may not be for you. However, if you want to learn more about computer networks, make sure to get James Bernstein’s book.