4
Networking Fundamentals
His computer experiences started as early as
1974, when he began programming and teaching
the Motorola 6800, which eventually evolved
into the Motorola 68000—the core processor of
the Apple Macintosh computer system. Since
then, Mr. Roberts has maintained his teaching
status to both instructors and students as the
technology has evolved, and he has remained at
a state-of-the-art technical level through research,
teaching, and applications. He is currently an
adjunct instructor at South Florida Community
College. He has authored the Computer Service
and Repair textbook and its ancillaries and
coauthored the Electricity and Electronics
textbook as well as designed and programmed
the accompanying interactive CD.
In addition to his current position, Mr.
Roberts has taught at Erwin Technical Center and
Tampa Bay Technical High School, and he has
taught adults in the military service. His time is
now divided between computer consulting and
applications, teaching students and instructors,
and writing textbooks and other ancillary
instructional materials. Occasionally, he goes
fi shing, but not too often.
Using This Text
Each chapter begins with a number of learning
objectives. These are the goals you should set to
accomplish while working through the chapter. In
addition to your objectives, each chapter begins
with a list of new terms, which are important for
you to learn as you move through the chapter. When
these new terms are introduced in the text, they are
printed in a bold italic typeface. At that point in the
text, you will fi nd these terms defi ned in the margin.
As you read this text, you will also notice
some other words or phrases that stand out.
File names that you encounter will appear like
notepad.exe
and student.txt. Any data you must
enter, be it by typing at the command and Run
prompts or button/tabs/menus that you will
click with your mouse are set out like
dir C:
or
Start | All Programs | Accessories | System
Tools.
Internet addresses within the text are in the traditional
Web style and in blue, such as www.g-w.com. Internet
addresses listed under Interesting Web Sites for
More Information at the end of each chapter are
in the traditional Web style, underlined, and in
blue, such as www.g-w.com.
Be sure to read any Network+ Notes, Tech
Tips, or Cautions that you encounter. Network+
Notes contain tips that will help you study for the
CompTIA Network+ Certifi cation exam. Tech Tips
are useful tidbits that might come in handy in the
fi eld. Take heed when you see a Caution. Cautions
alert you when an act may damage your computer
or computer components or cause injury to yourself.
Damaging a computer component or device through
electrostatic discharge is the most common danger
you will encounter with computers and networking.
You may also encounter some dangerous voltages
that can cause serious or fatal injury, especially
when dealing with monitors. Most of those repairs
should be left to special technicians.
Each chapter concludes with a summary
of some of the key information you should take
from the chapter, a large number of questions, a
list of useful Web sites, and laboratory activities
for you to try. Each chapter has two sets of
questions. The fi rst set of questions tests your
general comprehension of the material in the
chapter. The second set of questions mimics the
style of the CompTIA Network+ Certifi cation
exam. The questions asked here are on topics that
the exams commonly probe.
Hands-on experience is the only way to
become profi cient in networking, so be sure
to attempt the activities at the end of each
chapter. If you can complete the activities in
this text and in the accompanying laboratory
manual, you should have no problem passing
the Network+ Certifi cation exam. Each
chapter concludes with a complete Laboratory
Activity. Be sure to work through each of these
activities. Suggested Laboratory Activities
are also included. These activities are loosely
structured proceedings that you can attempt on
your own or if you have free time in class.
Never forget, the world of networking changes
rapidly. Consequently, network administration and
the CompTIA Network+ Certifi cation exam must
change with it. Each chapter includes a list of Web
sites where you can fi nd the latest information on
the topics covered. Be sure to check the CompTIA
Web site (www.comptia.org) frequently for the latest
information on what subjects are being added to the
exam and what subjects are being dropped. Also,
check the author’s Web site (www.RMRoberts.com) for
text updates, interesting links, and bonus laboratory
material.