You don’t have to memorize anything in this book. It’s a need-to-know book: You pick it up when you need to know something. Need to know how to set up a DHCP server in Windows? Pick up the book. Need to know how to create a user account in Linux? Pick up the book. Otherwise, put it down, and get on with your life.
Within this book, you may note that some web addresses break across two lines of text. If you’re reading this book in print and want to visit one of these web pages, simply key in the web address exactly as it’s noted in the text, pretending as though the line break doesn’t exist. If you’re reading this as an e-book, you’ve got it easy — just click the web address to be taken directly to the web page.
Foolish Assumptions
As I was writing this book, I made a few assumptions about you, the reader:
You are responsible for or would like to be responsible for a computer network. The network we speak of may be small – just a few computers, or large – consisting of dozens or even hundreds of computers. The network may already exist, or it may be a network you would like to build. But one way or another, I assume that managing the network is, at least in part, your responsibility.
You are an experienced computer user. You don’t need to be an expert, but this book assumes a modest level of experience with computers.
You are familiar with Windows. This book touches on Mac and Linux networks, but the primary focus is on creating and managing networks of Windows computers.
Icons Used in This Book
Like any For Dummies book, this book is chock-full of helpful icons that draw your attention to items of particular importance. You find the following icons throughout this book:
Beyond the Book
In addition to what you’re reading right now, this product also comes with a free access-anywhere Cheat Sheet that includes tables where you can record key network and Internet connection information, the RJ-45 pin connections, private IP address ranges, and useful websites for networking information. To get this Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and type Networking All-in-One For Dummies Cheat Sheet in the search box.
Where to Go from Here
Yes, you can get there from here. With this book in hand, you’re ready to plow right through the rugged networking terrain. Browse the table of contents, and decide where you want to start. Be bold! Be courageous! Be adventurous! And above all, have fun!
Book 1
Getting Started with Networking
Contents at a Glance
1 Chapter 1: Welcome to Networking Defining a Network Delving into Network Lingo Why Bother with a Network? Servers and Clients Dedicated Servers and Peers What Makes a Network Tick? Putting the Pieces Together Networks Big and Small It’s Not a Personal Computer Anymore! The Network Administrator
2 Chapter 2: Network Infrastructure Introducing Infrastructure Understanding Network Protocols and Standards Recognizing Network Topology Considering Cable Perusing Ports, Interfaces, and MAC Addresses Pondering Packets Contemplating Collisions Dealing with Broadcast Packets Examining Wireless Networks
3 Chapter 3: Switches, Routers, and VLANs Understanding Switches Looking Deeper into Switches Understanding Routers Understanding VLANs
4 Chapter 4: Cybersecurity But We’re a Small Business — Do We Need Security? The Two Pillars of Cybersecurity Cybersecurity Frameworks The NIST Cybersecurity Framework
5 Chapter 5: Servers and Virtualization Understanding Network Operating Systems What’s Important in a Server Components of a Server Computer Considering Server Form Factors Considering Virtualization
6 Chapter