BKCIGMDM.RVW   950404
 
"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Modems & Online Services", Sherry Kinkoph, 1994,
1-56761-526-0, U$19.95/C$26.99
%A   Sherry Kinkoph sherrylk@aol.com
%C   201 W. 103rd Street, Indianapolis, IN   46290
%D   1994
%G   1-56761-526-0
%I   Alpha Books
%O   U$19.95/C$26.99 800-858-7674 75141.2102@compuserve.com
%P   369
%T   "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Modems & Online Services"
 
I could name an awful lot of modem books that are worse than this, and only a
few that are better.  Don't get your hopes up--in this field, the best are none
too good.
 
Part one contains five chapters giving a general overview of modems and data
communications applications.  The real meat doesn't start until part two, which
discusses modem and software features and installation.  The information given
is OK, but often breaks down when pushed (V.32terbo and V.Fast are *not*
official standards).  The advice and directions on installation and
configuration will likely get you online--but *won't* get the most from your
modem.
 
Part three gives general guidance on what you can do with a fax modem, but
little analysis on the pros and cons.  Part four is the "online services" part;
a thirteen-chapter look at life online, very heavily weighted towards
commercial services.  Part five is a miscellany, including a chapter on viral
programs.  It is perhaps kindest that I not comment thereon.
 
Overall, the writing is good and the technical material reasonable, with
reservations.  The novice is still going to have to delve deeply into the modem
manual, without much assistance--but that is an all too common shortcoming.
 
copyright Robert M. Slade, 1995   BKCIGMDM.RVW   950404

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