Upgrading and Repairing Networks, 4th Edition, by Terry William Ogletree and Scott Mueller

Reviewed by: Thomas V. Kappel, February 2004, send e-mail Published by: Que Books, go to the web site Requires: N/A MSRP: $59.99 This book has a copyright of 2004. Talk about being current! I mean if you're going to layout $60 for a book, you certainly want it to be up-to-date, full of the latest information. Well, this book does indeed do that with current networking information such as Windows 2003 server, directory services, Windows XP, wireless networking, and network security. If this book also comes with a tiny peek around the corner into the future as well, then that can't hurt either. Upgrading and Repairing Networks, 4th Edition, jumps right into modern day networks. Chapter one is a brief 2/3 page crammed history of networking and then it’s off and running with network topologies, network designs, wiring, interface cards, protocols, wireless technology, troubleshooting and a total of 63 chapters of information along with 6 appendices that finally round out to 1224 pages. Phew! That’s a lot of information and a lot of reading. Believe it or not also, this encyclopedia of network information is designed so that it can be read from cover to cover with each chapter building on the last one. It’s a textbook, a reference manual, and a lifesaver the first time it helps you solve a major problem. It’s also a great help when you can go into an important meeting or to the department head prepared with all the in-depth information you need to discuss an upgrade, a solution to a problem, or to support a discussion on what was wrong with the system and the brilliant way you found the solution.

If you need to study for network certification (e.g.: CompTIA’s Network + Certification), as well as many of the other certifications related to networking, this is the general reference and study book for you. Unlike the ask-you-a-million-questions study guides, this one contains in-depth explanations about all aspects of general networking as well as reference tables on Subnet Masks, cable specifications and distances, 802.x tables, and discussions about real world troubleshooting, installation and upgrading.

This is certainly a large exhaustive reference book on networks, but it’s also trying to be a mentor and friend as well. There are chapters on strategies for troubleshooting and problem solving, advice on upgrading, keeping network documentation, hardware testing techniques and equipment, and much more.

The IT field is constantly growing and changing. Network Technology is constantly changing as well. Networks are not going away for a long, long time. Everyone working in this field of technology or considering going into the field needs to constantly keep current with what’s new, what’s changing and what’s being left behind. This book does that for you.

Consider the money well spent and this book a necessity if you have anything at all to do with today’s networks. Today, knowledge is critical to obtaining, maintaining, and keeping a job. This book is a complete networking course for a relatively small amount of money. If you have the need, buy it today. You won't be disappointed and you will be overjoyed every time you reach for the book, which will be often.

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