Although this book has a 1996 publication date, it is already outdated. The LAN Server (release 4.0) is an IBM software product used with OS/2 Warp to create a network operating system. The authors claim that the IBM LAN server is the second most widely installed network in the world. The purpose of this book is to demystify this software so that a nonprofessional in a small to medium-sized company will feel comfortable installing it. Consequently, most of the book is a walkthrough and explanation of a proper installation, with a description of the consequences of making some of those choices. It also briefly discusses the hardware needed for networking.

However, IBM has recently announced a new family of LAN products that supersedes this LAN server product. Is there any reason to buy this book anyway? Probably not. Network technology is evolving quickly, making it hard to keep up with advances, especially at the product level. I found several places where the general information about networks was no longer current. A minor annoyance in comparison, but one I must mention, is that the question mark is printed upside-down throughout.