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“Setting Up
An Internet Site For Dummies, 3rd Edition.”
Jason Coombs, Ted Coombs, David Crowder, and Rhonda
Crowder, IDG Books, 1998, 386 pages. |
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One
of the most interesting developments in the book publishing
industry has been the rise of the “for Dummies” and
“Idiot’s Guide to” series of books.
These books generally focus on a variety of topics and
explain that topic as simply as possible. According to IDG Books, their “for Dummies” series has
over 400 titles and over 75 million books in print.
One of the most informative of these titles is the third
edition of “Setting Up An Internet Site For Dummies.”
As
more individuals and businesses frequent the Internet, there has
been a greater demand to establish an online presence.
This book will take the reader through the step-by-step
process of achieving that Internet presence.
By combining humor with a simplified approach that limits
the use of “techno
talk,” the authors have made an intimidating subject easier to
understand.
The
book is divided into five general categories: laying the
foundation of an Internet site; publishing information on the
Internet; setting up basic Internet services; site builder skills
for today’s Internet; and a section with groups of 10 tips.
Each of these categories is broken down into several
chapters. It is in
these chapters that the nuts and bolts of setting up an Internet
site are described.
“Laying
the Foundation” includes advice on setting the tone of your site
by identifying your audience and applying for your unique Internet
site name or “domain name.”
In
“Publishing Information on the Internet,” the reader learns
how to create a web page and develop a web page layout.
Since the visual aspects of an Internet site are critical
to enticing users to stop and browse, these chapters are among the
most important in the book. The
authors also provide guidance on background colors and images,
text formatting and color, and different styles of menus.
“Setting
Up Basic Internet Services” explains the more technical aspects
of site development, including establishing e-mail and mailboxes,
exchanging files with other sites, and setting up an automated
electronic mailing list.
(To
top of second column)
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Business
persons will appreciate the section on “Site Builder Skills.”
It is here that the subjects of e-commerce and Internet site
promotion are addressed. The
e-commerce chapters are especially valuable for their analysis of
web security, data security, and the controversial concept of
e-money.
The
final section of the book, “The Part of Tens,” contains
information that is vital to the site-building process.
Among the most important tips are the 10 Internet services
your site can’t live without, the 10 technology add-ons, and the
10 easy ways to enhance your site.
“Setting
Up An Internet Site For Dummies” is an easy-to-use, fun-filled
approach to participating in the Internet explosion.
The book is bundled with a handy CD-ROM disc that contains
tools such as Paint Shop Pro (for graphics), a text editor for Mac
OS computers and several programs to expand your site’s
capabilities.
Most
computer books contain words and phrases that are confusing to the
reader. In this case
the authors have integrated the definitions of these words into the
text and have provided a useful glossary.
A comprehensive index at the end of the book complements the
glossary.
This
book is recommended for anyone who is considering setting up a
personal or business-related Internet site.
The book is compatible with both the Windows and Mac
operating systems on personal computers.
For
more information visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call
217-732-8878.
[Richard Sumrall,
Lincoln Public Library District]
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