BKBKWIFI.RVW   20030404

"The Book of Wi-Fi", John Ross, 2003, 1-886411-45-X, U$29.95/C$44.95
%A   John Ross
%C   555 De Haro Street, Suite 250, San Francisco, CA   94107
%D   2003
%G   1-886411-45-X
%I   No Starch Press
%O   U$29.95/C$44.95 415-863-9900 fax 415-863-9950 info@nostarch.com
%O  http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/188641145X/robsladesinterne
  http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/188641145X/robsladesinte-21
%O   http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/188641145X/robsladesin03-20
%P   260 p.
%T   "The Book of Wi-Fi"

Chapter one provides the usual explanation of 802.11 technologies,
right down to the typical non-description of direct sequence spread
spectrum.  Components and devices, and some reasonable suggestions on
evaluation and purchase, are listed in chapter two.  Generic planning
and basic installation, mostly of access points, is covered in chapter
three.  Chapter four presents Windows dialogue boxes and configuration
programs for the installation of wireless LAN cards.  General network
setup options are listed in chapter five, and although Windows 98, ME,
2000, and XP are covered, the material has almost nothing to do with
wireless technology.  Chapter six has a description of the Macintosh
AirPort program, while a list of network utilities for Linux is given
in chapter seven, and UNIX in eight.  Products for PDAs (Personal
Digital Assistants) are recorded in chapter nine.

Chapter ten looks at issues of range and power.  There is a reasonable
overview, but little that is of help to the user.  The use of wireless
technology as a network repeater, and directional antennae, are
discussed in chapter eleven.  Twelve examines connecting to a public
network.  There is a brief description of wardriving and warchalking
in chapter thirteen.  Chapter fourteen is probably the best item in
the book: a series of good recommendations for secure practices. 
Specific virtual private network programs are listed in chapter
fifteen, but there isn't a really solid explanation of the technology. 
Quick checks for some kinds of troubleshooting are given in chapter
sixteen.

The technical level of this work varies from chapter to chapter, but
generally it is below the point that a user who would need to get a
book on wireless LANs would find useful.  This is all right for simple
activities, but not much more.

copyright Robert M. Slade, 2003   BKBKWIFI.RVW   20030404