The Internet under the Hood: An Introduction to Network Technologies for Information Professionals

Citation

Anh Tran, L. (2004), "The Internet under the Hood: An Introduction to Network Technologies for Information Professionals", Online Information Review, Vol. 28 No. 1, pp. 83-84. https://doi.org/10.1108/14684520410522529

In recent years there have been many excellent books that introduce the concepts of computer and telecommunications networking. Molyneux’s new book is one of these, but it differs from previous publications in the following respects:

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  It provides an introduction to networking and Internet technologies for information professionals.

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  It includes beginning systems and network engineers in its intended audience.

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  The content is specifically related to network applications.

The book includes four sections: historical overview; the technology; applications of the technology; and social issues of information technologies, networking and the Internet. The overview section includes three chapters. It discusses the development of information technologies of the Internet. The concepts of Internet and networks are clarified. Definitions of networks are built in association to four terms: channels, nodes, segments and switches. In addition there is useful discussion of basic features of communication networks, such as structure, types, architectures, and glitches. The history of networking and governance of the Internet since 1960s is summarised briefly and succinctly.

Section 2 (technology) discusses the technical aspects of networking and the Internet. It provides current and authoritative sources of information for further study of the OSI model (Office System Interconnect) for networking and Internet layers. These layers are essential to the operation of the network. Section 3 introduces the applications that run the Internet and computer networks. It contains discussions of domains, servers, diagnostics and commands, operating systems (including MS Windows, Unix, Linux, etc.), HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), file formats, and evolving information agencies. From this section the reader has a general idea of what system administrators do, and learns where to start when dealing with network applications. Section 4 discusses social issues that include economics of the Internet, privacy, open source versus proprietary development, intellectual property issues, and legislative issues of the Internet.

This book provides very good support for beginners in the field of network technologies. It is very useful for information professionals in library, education and business settings. In addition it is essential for anyone who wants to create and publish digital records on the Internet, and process information electronically. Most of the questions in the exercises sections of the book can be found at <www.molyneux.com/iuth/>. It is well worth considering for collections serving users in the field of telecommunications, information systems and services.