Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent for the beginner, 8 Aug 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: Getting the Web: Understanding the Nature and Meaning of the Internet (Paperback)
There is a great deal of noise surrounding the Internet. With all the hype of the dot-com phenomena it is often easy to believe that the Internet is not as revolutionary as once thought. However, that is not the case, and I offer the following point in support. I recently taught some free, introduction to the Internet classes at a local community college. While there were no age restrictions, nearly everyone in the class was fifty or older. Their interests were varied, but most were interested in e-mail and the ability to search for information. In that area, the greatest interest was in finding someone or something that they had encountered earlier in life. Viewing their childlike fascination with what we could find was one of the strongest arguments in favor of how the Internet is changing society that I have seen. Their level of interest was rather high and a common comment was that there was little material available that would explain the Internet where "an old dog" could understand it. Several students asked me if I could recommend any books that explained the Internet in general, simple terms. This book is one resource that will satisfy that need and most of the major points I was asked in those classes are covered. From now on, when such questions arise, I will recommend this book.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simplfies and enlightens -- and I learned a lot too!, 20 Sep 2001
This review is from: Getting the Web: Understanding the Nature and Meaning of the Internet (Paperback)
Subtitled, "Understanding the nature and Meaning of the Internet", Jeanne M. Follman, a technical writer makes it all make sense. Like many people, I click away at my mouse and enter the world of the World Wide Web without a second thought. This does not mean that I really understand how it works or what it is or even some of the larger implications of what it all means. Now, however, after reading this small gem of a book, which is only 159 pages long, I see it all differently. First of all, she makes the technology understandable by her simple and explicit explanations. She repeats a lot of the basic concepts so that they really do stick. Finally, such words as "bit" and "bitstream" make sense. I now know that HTTP means "Hyper Text Transfer Protocol" and URL means "Uniform Resource Locator". Finally, I understand what bandwidth is and the differences between cable and DSL and each of their strengths and weaknesses. And, best of all, I can see how it all fits in with developments in the world concerning the spread of language and ideas. Ms. Follman brings a sense of wonder and optimism to what we have now and what she sees for the future. And even though she makes it simple, she doesn't talk down to her audience. A friend of mine who is a computer professional thumbed through the book and remarked how much good basic information it contained. I used to think that this was information I didn't need to know. The truth is I don't. After all, I know how to log on to a computer. But what Ms. Follman does in this book is enrich my experience, give it dimension. And, in my mind, the World Wide Web will never look the same to me again. Recommended.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enriches my experience of the World Wide Web, 17 Sep 2001
By Linda Linguvic - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Getting the Web: Understanding the Nature and Meaning of the Internet (Paperback)
Subtitled, "Understanding the nature and Meaning of the Internet", Jeanne M. Follman, a technical writer makes it all make sense. Like many people, I click away at my mouse and enter the world of the World Wide Web without a second thought. This does not mean that I really understand how it works or what it is or even some of the larger implications of what it all means. Now, however, after reading this small gem of a book, which is only 159 pages long, I see it all differently. First of all, she makes the technology understandable by her simple and explicit explanations. She repeats a lot of the basic concepts so that they really do stick. Finally, such words as "bit" and "bitstream" make sense. I now know that HTTP means "Hyper Text Transfer Protocol" and URL means "Uniform Resource Locator". Finally, I understand what bandwidth is and the differences between cable and DSL and each of their strengths and weaknesses. And, best of all, I can see how it all fits in with developments in the world concerning the spread of language and ideas. Ms. Follman brings a sense of wonder and optimism to what we have now and what she sees for the future. And even though she makes it simple, she doesn't talk down to her audience. A friend of mine who is a computer professional thumbed through the book and remarked how much good basic information it contained. I used to think that this was information I didn't need to know. The truth is I don't. After all, I know how to log on to a computer. But what Ms. Follman does in this book is enrich my experience, give it dimension. And, in my mind, the World Wide Web will never look the same to me again. Recommended.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Should be required reading for all HS and College students, 2 Aug 2001
By Conrad B. Senior - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Getting the Web: Understanding the Nature and Meaning of the Internet (Paperback)
. Jeanne M. Follman scores a hit with this book. As a former college instructor who taught the Internet, I can state positively, that I wish I had this book for use as a textbook. She uses a down to earth writing style that will score with teenagers and young people. For those who find the complexities of the Internet hard to fathom, Follman does great job explaining how it works, in fast, easy to understand terms. I learned some interesting historical facts (the development of CGI), that I didn't know about the Internet and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Follman also gives some insights into where the Internet is going and explain why it is important to understand its effects on mankind and our culture. I think this book should be on the required reading list for every High School through Junior College Student in the US. I think it would make a fine basis for further research. Strongly recommended for anyone interested in how the Internet works. The concepts are simple but so important that they should not be ignored. Read this book and pass it on to as many of your family members as possible. Congrats to Follman for a fine book....
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Helpful, 4 Sep 2002
A Kid's Review - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Getting the Web: Understanding the Nature and Meaning of the Internet (Paperback)
When I wanted to learn how to write in HTML, I picked up this book. It's incredible how easy Ms. Follman makes writing HTML. Plus, I have the honor of personally knowing the author. I think if any book can teach you how to write HTML, this book can!
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