Every generation needs a layperson’s introduction to the current hot technology. In the 1950s, books on nuclear energy were popular. In the 1960s, the topic of the decade was space. This book fills the layperson’s need for information on the current hot technology--the Internet.

Part 1 starts out easy by discussing a familiar topic, the phone system. It then builds gradually, explaining what “digital” means and moving to communications and networks. Part 2 is a brief history of the Internet, written by someone who played a role in its development. Part 3 builds on Parts 1 and 2 to describe protocols and client/server computing. Each chapter in Part 4 is devoted to a different Internet technology, including email, FTP, and the Web.

Though not a user’s manual, this book gives insight into the Internet. The writing is clear throughout and is supplemented by simple drawings where appropriate. The author stays focused on his target audience, which does not include techies or the Internet-savvy. In fact, if you are a computer professional looking for a little more insight into the workings of the Internet, you will be disappointed by the shallowness of many of the explanations. That is not a criticism; the book is not intended for you. However, you may want to buy a copy for a non-techie friend.