TCP/IP for Dummies aims to decode the protocols and executables that underlie the Internet and other networks that comply with its data communications standards. By combining how-to information that explains how to configure TCP/IP networking on various Microsoft Windows systems (including Windows 2000) with plenty of academic material on how Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) work, the authors deliver considerable value to their readers. There ought to be TCP/IP configuration coverage of Linux and Mac OS, too--TCP/IP is, after all, ideal for heterogeneous networking--but the detailed information about the stack's workings offsets the hands-on shortcomings.

The authors spend a bit too long explaining elementary stuff about the Internet. Still, they unravel Internet phenomena very clearly and explain, for example, that FTP is a protocol, a service, and an application in complete TCP/IP suites. Dummies books are big on the use of analogies to explain technical subjects; this book uses food and a dinnerware set as an analogy for the TCP/IP software, and sometimes distracts from its educational objective by struggling to make the comparison fit. Regardless, the authors succeed in explaining an important and complex set of internetworking technologies to readers who have no prior TCP/IP experience. You'll appreciate the background that this book provides if you're planning to configure a small TCP/IP network or work your way toward more elaborate jobs. --David Wall

Topics covered: The TCP/IP stack and its applications, explained in terms that--while not oversimplified--will be understood easily by someone who has little networking knowledge. Fundamentals of networking, client-server communications, TCP/IP protocols (including SMTP, HTTP, POP3, FTP, and various routing protocols), Windows configuration procedures, and name resolution all get attention. A nice section explains IPv6 well.


Review
“…a definitive learners’ guide, an amusing one…a great starter kit…” (IT Training, June 2003)


Review
“…a definitive learners’ guide, an amusing one…a great starter kit…” (IT Training, June 2003)


Book Description
TCP/IP is always a hot topic because it is and always will be the glue that holds the Internet and the World Wide Web together. To be well connected (network-wise, that is), sooner or later you have to become familiar with TCP/IP. So if you want to understand what it is, what it does, what it’s for, why you need it, and what to do with it, but you just don’t know where to start – this book is for you. If you have to install and set up TCP/IP on your computer at home or on lots of computers for your company, you'll find lots of Hands-On sections that take you through the process step by step.

TCP/IP For Dummies, 5th Edition, is both an introduction to the basics and a reference to help you use TCP/IP applications and tools on all kinds of computers connected to networks. Here are some of the many subjects that this book covers: Uncovering the relationships among TCP/IP, the Net, and the Web Exploring client/server and how it is the foundation of TCP/IP Installing and configuring TCP/IP and its applications on clients and servers Understanding intranets, extranets, and virtual private networks (VPNs) Building and enforcing security Boldly going to the next generation: IPv6

If you’re concerned about the security of your data – and who isn’t? – don’t miss the practical security tips in this book, including a Quick Start Security Guide. You can read about advanced security topics, including the security protocols that are part of TCP/IP. You also find out how to use encryption, authentication, digital certificates, and signatures. And if you’re interested in e-commerce, walk through a secure Internet credit card transaction.


Book Info
Clearly explains the fundamentals of TCP/IP, the core standard behind many common Internet and network services. Covers the latest TCP/IP standards and developments, including virtual LANs, SANs, peer-to-peer applications, Web services, mobile IP, and VPNs. Softcover. CD-ROM included. Previous edition c2000.


From the Back Cover
Get the latest on e-mail client servers and instant messaging Sail through new TCP/IP security configurations, Mobile IP setup, and more No need to drown in Internet alphabet soup – just open this friendly guide and navigate easily through the mysteries of VLANs, SANs, VPNs, P2P, NGI, FTP, and a whole lot more. With the latest information on TCP/IP protocol standards and developments, remote control, and security, you’ll find it’s a real lifesaver! All this on the bonus CD-ROM Telnet Server for Windows shareware and NetSwitcher for Windows trial version Secure CRT, InterGate, and IP*Works Secure Tunnel trial versions Boson Wildcard Mask Checker & Decimal-to-IP Calc, iIChat Logger, and iISystem Wiper freeware For details and complete system requirements, see the CD-ROM appendix.


About the Author
Candace Leiden is the Chief Technologist at Cardinal Software Group, a training and consulting corporation.

Marshall Wilensky is a Solutions Architect with the ISV Consulting team at Lotus Development Corporation.

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
Those of us who've been involved with networking since the '80s remember a time when few people expected TCP/IP to succeed in business. Compared to alternatives like IPX/SPX, it was just too darned complicated. Well, of course, TCP/IP protocols underlie the Internet, and the Internet revolution has washed away all those competitive protocols. Nowadays, even candy machines get IP addresses.

Unfortunately, someone forgot to make TCP/IP any easier. If anything, it's more complicated now, with generations of new protocols layered on to provide workarounds and extend TCP/IP far beyond the imagination of its creators. That's why TCP/IP For Dummies® was so desperately needed -- and why, in its Fifth Edition, it's still a bestseller.

All the essentials are covered here: the basics of IP addressing; DHCP, NAT, DNS, and so forth. The authors walk through client TCP/IP configuration under Windows XP, Windows 9x, Mac OS X, and Linux; as well as email and FTP configuration. You'll also find three full chapters on TCP/IP security, ranging from protecting your cables to making sure your NIC isn't in "promiscuous" mode; detecting unauthorized hosts to limiting TFTP -- even the basics of Kerberos and secure Internet protocols.

Of late, people are paying more attention to IPv6, the "next-generation" IP that never got off the ground. Well, it just might, after all. Gartner predicts we'll finally run out of IPv4 address spaces by '05 or '06 -- and it's already started to happen in Asia. You may need to become familiar with IPv6 in a hurry, and this book's breezy introduction is a great place to start.

Speaking of emerging technologies, this Edition is replete with new coverage -- including VLANs, storage area networks, web services, P2P, IPSec, Mobile IP, and much more. There's also an updated CD-ROM full of TCP/IP utilities, reference information, and bonus chapters. Ever wished TCP/IP was as friendly as it is powerful? Get this book. Bill Camarda

Bill Camarda is a consultant, writer, and web/multimedia content developer. His 15 books include Special Edition Using Word 2000 and Upgrading & Fixing Networks For Dummies®, Second Edition.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Get the latest on e-mail client servers and instant messaging

Sail through new TCP/IP security configurations, Mobile IP setup, and more

No need to drown in Internet alphabet soup - just open this friendly guide and navigate easily through the mysteries of VLANs, SANs, VPNs, P2P, NGI, FTP, and a whole lot more. With the latest information on TCP/IP protocol standards and developments, remote control, and security, you'll find it's a real lifesaver!

All this on the bonus CD-ROMTelnet Server for Windows shareware and NetSwitcher for Windows trial versionSecure CRT, InterGate, and IP*Works Secure Tunnel trial versionsBoson Wildcard Mask Checker & Decimal-to-IP Calc, iIChat Logger, and iISystem Wiper freeware