World Famous Comics: Wi-Fi Home Networking Just the Steps For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
Wi-Fi Home Networking Just the Steps For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
By: Keith Underdahl Publisher: For Dummies Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: For Dummies Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 240 Publication Date: April 17, 2006
Product Description: Wi-Fi Home Networking Just the Steps For Dummies is the way to go if you’re ready to go wireless and install your own wireless home network. The book’s easy-to-navigate design features two columns, with numbered step-by-step instructions on one side and corresponding illustrations, screen shots, or photos on the other. There’s no fluff, just the vital stuff—Just The Steps you need to get up to speed fast. This guide covers common networking tasks, including:
Setting up wireless access points and configuring your network
Adding wireless devices to your network
Activating Wi-Fi Security, managing firewalls, and preventing unauthorized network users
You don’t have to leave WI-Fi behind when you leave home; this practical reference tells you how to find public hotspots where you can use your Wi-Fi-equipped portable computer and how to network wirelessly with your pocket PC. It covers practical applications like creating a network bridge or adding wireless network storage, plus fun ways to use your tech toys to integrate and enhance your digital life, such as:
Setting up a wireless media center so you can use a computer for streaming media, as a TV tuner, as a digital video recorder, or to integrate with your TV and home entertainment system
Turning your pocket PC into a remote control
Adding a wireless camera to your network
Even if your current system with its cables, wires, and convoluted connections works, it’s time to cut the cord. Going wireless gives you many advantages and new options. So take the first step—get this book.
Does what it says The author does take you step-by-step through the creation of a wireless network. All the sticking points are covered. I only wish the Figures were larger and easier to read directly.
Get the Briere book instead There are two similar "Dummies" books, this one and Wireless Home Network for Dummies by Danny Briere (2006). This book is too dummied down, providing little over what you could find in the instruction manual of any router you would buy. And with all the screenshots and cartoons, the book seems padded to boot.
With the Briere book, you can read it and understand wireless networking. For instance, in explaining WEP and WPA-PSK encryption, the Briere book expains how both work and why WPA is much more secure than WEP. This book does mention that WPA is vastly superior to WEP, but doesn't explain why, and then proceeds to go through the steps in setting up WEP and then setting up WPA, as though you could do one right after the other (you can't).
Nicely done, and relieves a lot of anxiety... This is a book I wished I had known about and had available about 2 years ago when I made my plunge into wireless networking... Wi-Fi Home Networking Just the Steps For Dummies by Keith Underdahl. It would have saved me a ton of angst...
Contents: Part 1 - Starting a Wireless Network: Setting Up Wireless Access Points; Configuring Your Network; Adding Wireless Devices to Your Network; Using Your Wireless Network; Wireless Networking with Your Mac Part 2 - Securing Your Network: Activating Wi-Fi Security; Managing Firewalls and Network Security; Preventing Unauthorized Network Users Part 3 - Improving Your Network's Performance: Monitoring Network Performance; Improving the Speed and Range of Your Network; Troubleshooting Network Problems Part 4 - Using Someone Else's Network: Finding and Using Public Hotspots; Making Ad Hoc Peer-to-Peer Wireless Connections; Using Bluetooth Devices; Networking Wirelessly with Your Pocket PC Part 5 - Practical Applications: Creating a Network Bridge; Networking a Game Console; Setting Up a Wireless Media Center; Adding Wireless Network Storage; Converting to a Digital Media Receiver; Turning Your Pocket PC into a Remote Control; Adding a Wireless Print Server to Your Network; Setting Up Your Own Hotspot; Voice Chatting With Your Wireless Network; Adding a Wireless Camera to Your Network Index
The "Just the Steps" sub-genre of the Dummies series involves a lot less narrative and background and more "step 1, step 2" information to enable you to get things up and running without necessarily knowing the complete background and history of the technology. For instance, if you need to determine the MAC address for a device, it's spelled out in three easy steps, complete with screen prints. As a result, it's pretty easy for someone to figure out how to get their wireless environment up and running quickly (and correctly!) without a minor degree in computer networking. The book covers Windows, Macs, and Pocket PCs, so you're well covered there. The book specifically uses the D-Link brand of router for the screen captures and steps, but it's pretty easy to translate between that brand and some other one you might be using, like LinkSys. Still, if you want the closest "book to reality" linkage, the D-Link brand is the one to use.
The reason I would have liked this book a couple of years ago is that I was pretty "network-phobic" (even being a techie!). I didn't understand how it all worked, and I had observed situations with fellow techies setting up wireless networks that had convinced me I'd be over my head. With a book like this, I'd have been much more likely to dive in with less trepidation. While I'm more comfortable these days with the whole subject, I can still see the benefit of a book like this. The practical applications listed in part 5 gave me some ideas for a few projects I might consider.
Quick read, but really beneficial... Ideal if you're not yet convinced that wireless is the way to go (it is...)
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