standards

Firstable, I would like to state that if you plan to use this book on Windows-based network, you better think it over. Although TCP/IP concept applies to any network that complies to TCP/IP (like Windows and UNIX), this book is better be used on UNIX-based network. If you use Windows for your network, I think you better get the author's Windows version: "Windows NT TCP/IP Network Administration".

For command examples in this book, author used Linux and Sun Solaris. But this book should apply on any UNIX operating system (including HP-UX, BSD, Mac OS X, and AIX). There might be a little command adjustment needed for specific UNIX operating system, which should be not causing trouble at all.

As said by other reviewers, this book explains a complete aspects of what any UNIX system administration should concern about. Even if you are only an end user; this book I think is also important to you, especially when the system administrator is not available.

The book gives a comprehensive idea of TCP/IP system. It starts on TCP/IP overview, IP addressing, IP routing (routing table and ARP), DNS, server configuration, and file and print server (chapter 1, 2, and 3). Chapter 4 to 5 concerns on how UNIX operating system configure the network.

Chapter 6 to 9 are the next step on configuration. They prepare you how to make every network component internetwork to each other. Chapter 10 to 12 are overview on more advanced topics. Finally, chapter 13 presents you how to get more info on TCP/IP specification.

I would like to point out that this book assumes some conditions. The author expected that the audiances have a fair knowledge of TCP/IP. If you think that you have a little or no prior knowledge, I suggest that you read the following books on TCP/IP. You should first read "Internetworking with TCP/IP Vol. 1: Principles, Protocols, and Architectures" by Douglas Comer, "TCP/IP Addressing" by Buck Graham, and "IP Addressing and Subnetting" by J.D. Wegner.

If you are a more advanced reader who needs to know more about certain topics, here are my suggestion. For those who need to take a closer look on ARP frames and packets, you should read "TCP/IP Illustrated Vol. 1: The Protocols" by Richard Stevens. Need more troubleshooting tips? Read "Network Analysis and Troubleshooting" J. Scott Haugdahl. Prefer on network security? Have "Building Internet Firewalls" by Elizabeth Zwicky and "Intrusion Signatures and Analysis" by Mark Cooper.

As a network administration, I personally love this book. Together with "UNIX System Administration Handbook" by Evi Nemeth and "UNIX Powertools" by Jerry Peek; they make a sufficient reference for any UNIX system administrators and end users, especially if you are new to the subjects. The coverages are step by step and thorough. You should have no worries using or administrating UNIX network with this book and all other I mentioned before.

Having reviewed over 600 books in the past several years I am sometimes have to stop and recognize a truly exceptional book and this is one of those times. Having worked with TCP/IP for over 5 years, after reading this book I was amazed at how much I didn't know.

While it is true this book is written for the UNIX/Linux environments, the principles involved will apply to almost any network environment. The 700 plus page book is very well written and extremely well documented, the author has certainly done his homework for this book.

The breakdown of TCP/IP is excellent and there is great material for routing, security and troubleshooting as well. You have been given numerous examples to learn from and work with. Overall this book is certainly one to have around and a great addition to my technical library.

I can't understand all the glowing reviews this book is recieving, it is a VERY cursory and shallow treatment of far to much material. It's just all over the place. Please stay away from the "crab book", it sucks.

If you want a good tcp/ip book, O'Reilly's "Internet Core Protocols" is a great one. This book is not very good at all.