Networking Does Not Require the "All Knowing"Now that we have defined some of the general aspects of computer networking, such as clients and servers, I'd like to take a moment to give you a pep talk. Although some incredible minds have worked long and hard on developing the software and hardware that is used to create a computer network, it is not required that you have the collective intelligence of all the network pioneers to be a network administrator. Being a network administrator is the same as being a bricklayer or a concert pianist. They both understand the basics of their mediumthe brick and the pianobut neither of them could necessarily create a brick or a piano from scratch. However, they both understand the tools of their trade. Even being the administrator for a small network used in a home office will require a knowledge base related to PCs beyond that of the average user . You will need to understand how computers work and be able to add devices to PCs, such as network interface cards and new hard drives , but you are not necessarily required to build computers from scratch. You are also not required to know all the intricacies of every piece of software running on the network. Anyone willing to develop a good understanding of computer hardware, networking devices (such as hubs and the various choices for networking media), and network operating systems ( especially the network operating system you will use on your network) can build a solid and usable LAN. Although this book is not going to make you a network expert, it is certainly a good first step as you accumulate the knowledge base that will allow you to create and manage your own networks. Just remember, it's not rocket science, just computer networking. So, fear not and read on.
|