How to Use This Book

This book works like a reference. Start with the topic you want to find out about. Look for it in the table of contents or in the index to get going. The table of contents is detailed enough that you should be able to find most of the topics you're looking for. If not, turn to the index, where you can find even more detail.

After you find your topic in the table of contents or the index, turn to the area of interest and read as much as you need or want. Then close the book and get on with it.

Of course, this book is loaded with information, so if you want to take a brief excursion into your topic, you're more than welcome. If you want to know the big security picture, read the whole chapter on security. If you just want to know how to create a decent password, read just the section on passwords. You get the idea.

If you need to type something, you see the text you need to type like this: Type this stuff. In this example, you type Type this stuff at the keyboard and then press Enter. An explanation usually follows, just in case you're scratching your head and grunting, "Huh?"

Whenever I describe a message or information that you see on the screen, I present it this way:

 A message from your friendly network 

This book rarely directs you elsewhere for information-just about everything that you need to know about networks is right here. If you find the need for additional information, plenty of other For Dummies books can help. If you have a networking question that isn't covered in this book, allow me to suggest my own Networking All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies, 2nd Edition (Wiley)-this much-expanded reference book goes deeper into specific network operating systems and TCP/IP protocols. You can also find plenty of other For Dummies books that cover just about every operating system and application program known to humanity.