Date: Wed, 02 Feb 1994 09:53:45 MDT From: Rob Slade (rslade@sfu.ca) Subject: Book Review: "The Internet Guide for New Users" by Dern BKTIGFNU.RVW 931229 McGraw-Hill Ryerson/Osborne 300 Water Street Whitby, Ontario L1N 9B6 905-430-5000 905-430-5047 Rita Bisram, Marketing fax: 905-430-5020 or 2600 Tenth St. Berkeley, CA 94710 USA 510-548-2805 800-227-0900 or 1221 Avenue of th NY 10020 "The Internet Guide for New Users", Dern, 1994, 0-07-016511-4, U$27.95 ddern@world.std.com In the Preface, Dern expands on the title, explaining the audience and purpose of the book. He emphasizes users, stating that the book is not about protocols or administration. I would second that, and note the other boundary condition: the book is not for dabblers. This is for people who are serious about using the resources of the Internet. Dern also stresses "new", proposing that the book could be for those who have never used a computer or a modem before. This may be stretching things a bit. There certainly is not sufficient background here for someone who has just bought a PC to get communications software and hardware up and running. (Dern does suggest that you find at least a BBS buddy to get started.) On the other hand, no prior knowledge is assumed: there is even a section on "Enough UNIX to Survive," which goes so far as to explain what an operating system is. Part one has four chapters explaining Internet history and background, getting connected, Internet addressing and the aforementioned UNIX overview. This survey describes the "tools" of email, Usenet, remote login and file transfer (ftp). I would query the status of Usenet here; new users generally have a function oriented approach and it might more generally be seen as a part of the concept of discussion groups, and refer to mailing and distribution lists. Part three explains tools to aid in finding and accessing information; chapter nine, in conceptual terms, and chapter ten, describing the specific individual programs and systems. Part four discusses Internet "citizenship" in terms of etiquette and culture (chapter eleven) and in getting help and assistance (chapter twelve). Part five is a miscellany, looking at special sites, mailing and distribution. This book will very likely be seen as a successor to Krol's "Whole InternUser's Guide and Catalog" (cf BKKROL.RVW). The two share a very common history, size and UNIX bias. Dern's work is larger and more complete, in many respects, and has the advantage, in this very rapidly changing arena, of more recent information. (Being up to date, however, has a very emphemeral value in the Internet world.) Dern also shows less reliance on the navigating tools of gopher and WAIS which are still not accessible to even a majority of users. On the other hand, Krol's "Catalog" is a lot of fun, although far from exhaustive. (Both major internet guides have this UNIX flavour. Dern does give a credible explanation of why this is so, and also tends to use the UNIX examples in a more useful fashion. If you are using ftp and telnet extensively, then you should know the examples.) I am happy to see the emphasis on netiquette and online culture. Given both the personal nature and the importance of the topic, I would prefer to see somewhat less discussion of this area. Dern also provides useful lists of "common mistakes." I am also pleased to see some prominence given to the use of various functions via email. Literally millions of online service users have access to the Internet via email gateways -- and don't know it. This section could use some expansion; even with references to other sections of the book, the examples are quit true of the Internet. This work deserves serious consideration. copyright Robert M. Slade, 1993 BKTIGFNU.RVW 931229 ====================== DECUS Canada Communications, Desktop, Education and Security group newsletters Editor and/or reviewer ROBERTS@decus.ca, RSlade@sfu.ca, Rob Slade at 1:153/733 DECUS Symposium '94, Vancouver, BC, Mar 1-3, 1994, contact: rulag@decus.ca ------------------------------