Wendell Odom has put together a very nice introductory ...



Computer Networking First-Step

Reviewer Name: Allen Turner, Senior IT Telecommunications Analyst

Reviewer Certifications: CCNA, CCNP

Wendell Odom has put together a very nice introductory networking book for the beginner. I believe he has put together a book that will benefit anyone that is thinking about entering into a networking career. This book will also serve as a very good basic knowledge book for the entry-level technician.

This is a book that can be used if someone is considering the pursuit of the CCNA certification. However, this book does not go to the depth necessary to be the only book for that certification. But I do not believe this book was intended for that path. This book is designed mainly for the novice and is written in that light. So if you are looking for a very technical detailed book for computer networking, this book is not for you. If your are stepping into the networking arena for the very first time and want a book that explains networking technologies in an easy to understand format then this book is definitely the one you need to have in your library.

Computer Networking First-Step by Wendell Odom is very well written in a layman’s point of view for basic networking knowledge. The book is divided into six parts and provides an overview of each of the major components of local and wide area networks, networking basics, routing, addressing, and security and remote access.

Each chapter presents the learning objectives of the chapter, detailed, concise and clear text on the learning objectives throughout each chapter, a chapter summary and finally a set of review questions to test what you have just read. The references to highways and roadways is a very clever angle that Wendell Odom has incorporated to aid the reader into understanding the concept being discussed.

I can see this book coming in handy when attempting to explain basic networking technologies to the uninitiated into networking. There are very many simple and clear illustrations that can assist the novice into a better understanding of different aspects of networking.

I really like the stepped approach that Wendell Odom used to build the readers knowledge base. From the basics of what a switch and hub are to the more complexities of local and wide area networks. Finally finishing the book off with network security. This is and has always been a hot topic in my line of work. Giving the novice a taste of network security lets them know that there is more work to do after building a network whether it is at home or at work.

There are many introductory books on the market today that cover several of the topics in this book but they tend to be on the expensive side. Computer Networking First-Step covers the basics of computer networking very well and is priced just right. You definitely will get your money’s worth with this book.

I have read several books by Wendell Odom in the past and this one ranks very well with the other more technical books that he has written. I like the way that Wendell Odom writes his books and Computer Networking First-Step is written just as well. His ability to write this book at a basic level and not lose the reader’s attention with very dry technical specifications is a testimonial to his writing ability. It is very easy for me to recommend this book and any future (or past) books written by Wendell Odom. Well Done!

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