The Internet: The Rough Guide

This cheap-and-cheerful pocket book has emerged as one of the most popular reference guides for beginners and intermediate users. It started as part of the Rough Guide series for travellers, but has completely outgrown its origins.

The first section of the book covers the basics of the Net - how to get connected, and how to choose an Internet Service Provider (ISP). These are the sort of unmissable basics which have led some computer suppliers to give this book away free with each purchase. He then covers using e-mail, mailing lists, file transfers, and newsgroups; what equipment you will need; which is the best web browser (and how to get a free copy of the latest version).



Peter Buckley is an experienced Internet user, and he is skilful and judicious in the advice he offers. He deals with the Web, search engines, how to create a Web page, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), online gaming, and how to stay connected while travelling.

For beginners, he explains any jargon as he goes along, and more advanced users will appreciate what he has to say about his listing of over 600 well-known Web sites, which you can access from the book's Web site. The next section features a discussion of Net 'contexts', a short history of the Net, a glossary, and 'Net language', such as emoticons or the acronyms used as shorthand in posting and chat. At the end, he gives a listing of ISPs.

As you become more experienced on the Internet, you might need more advanced manuals - but this covers everything a beginner could need. The guide is revised and re-issued every year, so make sure you get the latest edition.