The Whole Internet – The Next Generation - Softcover

Connor–sax, Kiersten

9781565924284: The Whole Internet – The Next Generation

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1565924282 ISBN 13: 9781565924284

Publisher: O′Reilly, 1999

In 1992, The Whole Internet introduced millions of readers to the new Internet phenomenon. But times have changed, and the Internet has moved on. In 1992, you had to tell people how to use a web browser. These days, any third grader can tell you how to click on a link.The Whole Internet: The Next Generationa book for a new generation of Internet users. There are more applications, more exciting information, and more problems to deal with, ranging from mere annoyances to outright theft. So we've written a book that illuminates how you can use the Internet effectively in today's environment. We'll explain how to deal with everyday problems like unsolicited email and security alerts. We'll also tell you how to take advantage of new services on the Web. Such services, like those for buying and selling goods, trading stock, and even playing games, have really become applications unto themselves, and deserve the fullest explanation that we can provide. How do you play the new audio files that are all around the net? How do you sell the antique furniture your grandmother left you? How do you prevent others from stealing your credit card information? How do you protect yourself from computer viruses? How do you write and publish your own web pages? How do you use the Internet to cut down your long distance phone bills?You will also find a next generation catalog of Internet resources. It's obviously not an exhaustive list, which could never be assembled in one book. But it's a wide-ranging selection of sites that we found interesting, useful, or just plain fun. We've focused on "meta-sites": that is, sites that provide extensive lists of related resources.We don't need to convince you that the Internet is a valuable resource--whether you're a corporate attorney or a gourmet chef, you already know. But you may not know how to make the Internet work for you. If you need to catch up with the many changes that have taken place in the last few years--if you'd like to try some of the next generation tools that are now available--The Whole Internet: The Next Generation is a book you have to read.

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Review:

In the seven years since the first edition of The Whole Internet, the Internet has grown and changed almost beyond recognition and the new edition of this classic book aims to cover nearly everything you can do online. You still get step-by-step instructions for using common software although this isn't comprehensive or completely up-to-date (it covers the now-moribund Pointcast, Outlook 98 not Outlook 2000, says plenty on Palm and nothing on Windows CE and cherishes a nostalgic fondness for Pine, an elderly e-mail package).

This is a book you're more likely to look things up in than read from cover to cover. You don't have to start with the excellent explanation of how the Net actually works or read in any particular order; all the chapters are self- contained so you can start with tips on how to use e-mail effectively and filter out spam or jump to the (very basic) section on writing your own Web page.

With the UK still lagging behind America in online shopping and banking, the US-centric focus makes these chapters curiosities; similarly, the online gaming section covers virtually nothing outside the US. Chapters on security and privacy, how to search the Web and troubleshooting your Net connection are excellent but too much of the writing is spoiled by unnecessary and often inaccurate Microsoft-bashing; AOL users won't find many useful AOL tips among the brickbats either. If you like using Word, Outlook, FrontPage, Internet Explorer or the Windows Media Player, expect to get irritated. Too many trivial inaccuracies and facile comments make this a disappointing update, despite clear explanations and useful suggestions on how to use the Net effectively. -- Penny Jannifer

About the Author:

Kiersten Conner-Sax is a freelance writer, focusing on computer and film topics. Her short story, "Spinning," appeared in the Lowell Pearl; she has also written a screenplay, entitled "Putt Putt." Her film reviews have appeared in the Boston Phoenix and at NewEnglandFilm.com. Kiersten grew up in California and attended college in New York City. In 1996, she further reduced her marketable skills with a master's degree in creative writing from Emerson College. She currently lives in Manhattan with her husband, Adam, and their dog, Mugsy. Raised in the Chicago area, Ed Krol went to the University of Illinois, got a degree in computer science, and never left. In 1985 Krol became part of a networking group at the University of Illinois where he became the network manager at the time the National Center for Supercomputer Applications was formed. It was there that he managed the installation of the original NSFnet. During the same period, he also wrote the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Internet because he had so much trouble getting information and was sick of telling the same story to everyone. In 1989 Krol opted to leave the fast lane and returned to pastoral life on campus, where he remains to this day assistant director for Network Information Services, Computing and Communications Service Office, University of Illinois, Urbana. He also writes a monthly column for Network World. He has a wife and daughter (who is in the Hacker's Dictionary as the toddler responsible for "Mollyguards"). In his spare time Krol is a pilot and plays hockey.

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