12/28/2009

Review of PC Magazine Wireless Solutions (Paperback)

The target reader seems to be a Win-XP user with a D-Link DI-624, who does not really want to learn much.If that is you, then this book may be fine for you.If you only want to run the wizards & menus & little else, great.I happen to use Win-XP on some machines, and have a D-Link DI-624 on one.But I actually was hoping to learn more, and this book disappointed me.I'm taking it back to Barnes & Noble.
The authors use acronyms(initials) but usually make you go to the index to find out what the initials stand for.Seldom is there an explanation of what it really means.Sometimes the acronyms/initials are not defined, and at least once, the initials were defined two ways at two points in the book (see MAC as medium access control on page 90 and media access control on page 123 & the index).
What I really disliked is the total omission of Linux, a bunch of the technologies & components involved in wireless, and a good explanation of the basics.This book omits way to much for me.The authors apparantly think readers do not need to understand wireless technology basics.I'm not looking for wireless network certification or employment, just good basic understanding and this book doesn't have it.It does have some good material for the newbie, and is not overly verbose, so 3 stars.

Product Description
Wireless is freedom. Wireless is now. And who better than PC Magazine to help you break free?

Wireless is more than cell phones. It's Web surfing from your deck, or tuning up your Xbox? to take on opponents on the opposite coast. But whatever wireless is, it isn't simple--or it wasn't, until these two guys made it so. Here's the straight scoop on setup, security, trouble-shooting, wireless capabilities, and a whole lot more. Plenty of books will tell you how to build a wireless network, but only this one offers proven solutions from PC Magazine.

No strings attached! Here's how to
* Share printers, files, Internet connections and more--all without wires
* Wirelessly connect your video, audio, and game consoles
* Connect and control wireless "smart home" devices
* Guard your Wi-Fi network against intruders withWEP and WPA encryption
* Surf from anywhere in your home or office
* Untether your employees for greater creativity and productivity
* Take your wireless world on the road
* Understand wireless standards and protocols
* Learn how to choose the right wireless equipment


A Taste of Honey

A honeypot litters the airwaves with simulated access points, inviting intruders to take advantage of the network but. . . offering them no-where to go. Instead of trying to hide your real AP. . . you put it out with fake APs, hiding (it) by giving the intruder too much to do.
-- From Chapter 8

From the Back Cover
Wireless is freedom. Wireless is now. And who better than PC Magazine to help you break free?

Wireless is more than cell phones. It's Web surfing from your deck, or tuning up your Xbox® to take on opponents on the opposite coast. But whatever wireless is, it isn't simple-or it wasn't, until these two guys made it so. Here's the straight scoop on setup, security, trouble-shooting, wireless capabilities, and a whole lot more. Plenty of books will tell you how to build a wireless network, but only this one offers proven solutions from PC Magazine.

No strings attached! Here's how to

  • Share printers, files, Internet connections and more-all without wires
  • Wirelessly connect your video, audio, and game consoles
  • Connect and control wireless "smart home" devices
  • Guard your Wi-Fi network against intruders withWEP and WPA encryption
  • Surf from anywhere in your home or office
  • Untether your employees for greater creativity and productivity
  • Take your wireless world on the road
  • Understand wireless standards and protocols
  • Learn how to choose the right wireless equipment

A Taste of Honey

A honeypot litters the airwaves with simulated access points, inviting intruders to take advantage of the network but. . . offering them no-where to go. Instead of trying to hide your real AP. . . you put it out with fake APs, hiding (it) by giving the intruder too much to do.
- From Chapter 8

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