Chapter by chapter:
Chapter 1 - basic terminology and an overview,
Chapter 2 - Wi-Fi hardware ( PP32-39-nifty fix for the Wi-Fi problems on the 15" TiBook),
Chapter 3 � Making the connection- base stations and antennas,
Chapter 4 - brief look at Wi-Fi on the road (external sources, like Starbucks),
Chapter 5- Security (secure shells, firewalls, etc),
Chapter 6 � Bluetooth,
Chapter 7 - cell-phone connectivity (If you are serious about that you should get this book.),
Chapter 8- Rendezvous, and
the Appendix covers RF and Infrared.

Strengths:
One of the strengths of this book is the authors' writing style. They assume that the reader does not know much about the many protocols and acronyms used in the wireless environment, so they explain these concepts in a straightforward and informative manner. When I started reading this book I kept wishing it had been available when I did my first wireless network! My network is simple; getting the AirPort network up and running for Macs was easy, but it included a cable modem, a router, the AirPort base station acting as a bridge to the wired Ethernet network, and several computers and a printer. I spent significant time getting everything working correctly, especially the link between the wired and wireless network. Negrino and Smith navigate through all the steps necessary to set up and configure a wireless network, and cover the idiosyncrasies concerning IP addresses, DHCP addressing and many other concepts and terms unfamiliar to novice users.

Weakness & Limitations:
The authors do not spend much time explaining non-Apple access points. They also offer little to no troubleshooting assistance for Macs trying to connect to such non-Apple devices. The book does not include a chapter on troubleshooting. Even with Macs, wireless connectivity does not always go well. Most users would only need coverage of main trouble spots or FAQs. As it is, your only option is to reread the section of the book that pertains to your problem.

Comments:
If you are just getting into Wi-Fi on Macintosh this book would make a good primer on how to use your Mac with no "umbilical cord." Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPRS, and even the old infrared standards are covered. If you haven't played with the wireless capabilities of your Mac, this book will widen your horizon and get you on the web while relaxing at the corner coffee shop. Even if you are an experienced wireless user who feels at home on the road, you'll still find new tidbits browsing through this book.

Ratings:

Attribute Description	Rating Value	Rating Description
Format or size of book:	*****	Excellent
Ease of use (reading):	*****	Excellent
Documentation:	*****	Excellent
Packaging:	****	Good
Index:	*****	Excellent
Graphics:	****	Good
Sound:	N/A	N/A
QuickTime usage:	N/A	N/A
Color:	N/A	Black & white are sufficient for this topic
Overall rating:	*****	Excellent

Linda is a Pa. media specialist. She has a master's degree in Library/Media and Curriculum development. She has administered an electronically networked library that contained state of the art equipment utilizing interactive video, digitized images, on-line searching, computer integration, etc. For the past 30+ years she has reviewed books and audiovisual materials for a Tri State YA Reviewing group in Southeast PA. In addition, Linda teaches several online and classroom courses to adults/teachers for the PA Dept. of Education. Linda is also a professional artist (22 lithographs, 120 etchings, graphics, and artist books) and she maintains her own website at www.brushcolor.com.

This site has many more reviews, all written by MLMUG members.
View all our book reviews. Or, view our
Software, hardware, and game reviews.

[ home | newsletter | past | join | listserve | shareware | directory | links | md9 ]

© 2004 by Linda McNeil & MLMUG
Posted 09/30/04
Updated 09/30/04