In the words of the author, this book is for those who are computer literate but not network literate. Its aim is to enable the reader to effectively and efficiently access the almost limitless resources available through the Internet. On the whole, the book succeeds in its aim.

The book begins with a useful but brief overview of the Internet and the TCP/IP protocol suite. One particularly helpful part of this introduction is a clear and detailed discussion of the Domain Name System.

The next major portion of the book deals with the three principal applications for accessing Internet resources:  TELNET  (remote terminal access), FTP (file transfer protocol), and SMTP (simple mail transfer protocol), used for electronic mail. Krol explains what each of these applications is for and gives detailed step-by-step instructions on its use. This section is one of the most effective parts of the book.

Next, the author deals with two forms of discussion groups available via the Internet. Unfortunately, this important topic is not handled as well as it might be. One form of discussion group is the mailing list. Here, the author simply defines what an e-mail discussion group is, without giving any information concerning how to learn about mailing lists. In particular, the indispensable “list of lists” is not referenced[1].

After gliding over e-mail discussion groups, the author spends more time on network news discussion groups. The focus, as it should be, is on Usenet. Much of one chapter is an admirable description of how to use Usenet. Unfortunately, the author never really says exactly what Usenet is and how one gets access to it. The non–network-literate will find this chapter unsatisfying, since they will be left not knowing how to get started.

The next few chapters list a number of tools that are useful for finding things on the network, including tools for finding software, learning people’s e-mail addresses, and finding files and databases. Following this, a helpful chapter entitled “Dealing with Problems” gives a number of useful tips.

Next comes the “Whole Internet Catalog,” which alone is worth the price of the book. This section is a list, arranged by topic, of information and resources available over the Internet. Of course, such a list is not exhaustive, but it is lengthy and well-organized, and more than adequate for most users. Finally, an appendix lists various providers that offer Internet connection services.