Legit Reviews

I know there are a lot of IT guys out there. can anyone recommend me a good book?

http://www.google.com I'm a sucker for pain and always have to do things the hard way

I find the best way to learn is get @ least 2 PC's and setup a LAN.
Here is a good online networking tutorial
http://www.comptechdoc.org/independent/ ... index.html

I'll ask some people in work tomorrow for some suggestions.

Thanks Ken. I'm gonna have to take data com next year, but wouldn't mind getting a head start

I'll poke around and see what book I had for my Data Communications class and let you know. It was fairly informative if I remember, and I know it taught you to add and subtract binary!

There are also some programs out there that will simulate a router, hub, or switch. They're great to learn with if you want to get that far into your education of networking. I believe a company called Sybex makes such programs if you want to look for it.

NAiLs wrote:I'll poke around and see what book I had for my Data Communications class and let you know. It was fairly informative if I remember, and I know it taught you to add and subtract binary!

There are also some programs out there that will simulate a router, hub, or switch. They're great to learn with if you want to get that far into your education of networking. I believe a company called Sybex makes such programs if you want to look for it.

God, I did binary in Assembly, I hated those conversions so much. But thanks for looking for that

Matt, I was told by a few people these are what they used to study the basics.
Cisco intro;
http://www.bookpool.com/sm/0470068507

Understanding TCP/IP --> this is a bit advanced, but very usefull!
http://www.bookpool.com/sm/190481171X

This site may not have then in-stock but you can use the "ISBN" No. to search Amazon etc.
I'll ask a few more people in work tomorrow for suggestions if can.

I would think that a "network +" book would be good also. It covers a wide range of topics including basic LAN topology, network operating systems, and TCP/IP.

A couple of examples:

http://www.amazon.com/Network%2B-Study- ... F8&s=books

http://www.amazon.com/Network%2B-Certif ... F8&s=books

You may try to find a used book store, often times they have quite a few technical books (especially if you live near a college). I personally don't care for the Cisco stuff, mainly due to how it's written. But I do know others who swear by it. I would suggest reading some of their stuff in a bookstore before buying it.

I can say that in the CCNA book I have, you learned how to do VLSM in your head

The CCNA book I have:
http://www.amazon.com/CCNA-Certified-Ne ... F8&s=books

Thanks guys I'll look into all 5 you guys listed

I have that last book that he listed, but I don't recall if I used that in my Data Com. class. I'll be home on Saturday to look at my books and I'll let you know then!