At long last, an introductory text that explains networking, the Internet, HTML, web design, web programming, XML, and web searching in terms that even the most tech-challenged student can grasp.

Why another book about the Internet? The answer is simple: while there are a number of excellent books on various aspects of networking, the Internet, HTML, Web design, Web programming, XML, and Web searching, there is not a single survey text that explores each of these topics holistically in the context of the knowledge and skill needs of those preparing for careers in any of the many information technology (IT) intensive fields such as library and information science (LIS), business and management information systems (MIS), and decision science (DIS), to name but a few. In so doing, this foundational text offers its readers both a comprehensive overview of basic counseling and tested solutions to a variety of technical situations. The perfect introduction for students lacking technological expertise who are called upon to demonstrate a working knowledge of basic concepts and applications.

Why another book about the Internet? The answer is simple: while a growing number of excellent books cover the various aspects of networking, the Internet, HTML, Web design, Web programming, XML, and Web searching, there is not a single survey text that explores each of these topics holistically in the context of the knowledge and skill needs of those preparing for careers in any of the many information technology (IT) intensive fields such as library and information science (LIS), business and management information systems (MIS), and decision science (DIS), to name but a few. In so doing, this foundational text offers its readers both a comprehensive overview of basic counseling and tested solutions to a variety of technical situations.

Part 1 focuses on the technologies of the Internet, specifically networks, TCPIP, higher level Internet protocols, and security issues for Internet-connected PCs. Part 2 focuses on the many forms of Internet content and how it is created: documentary and multimedia formats; Web graphics; Web publishing in HTML; principles of good Web design; controlling presentation with styles; Web scripting and dynamic content; and the possibility of the semantic Web with XML. Part 3 is devoted to the topic of Internet information retrieval and includes a brief overview of the principles of IR; Internet searching past and present; a detailed examination of search engine functions and limitations; peer-to-peer approaches; image and multimedia IR; and enhancing intellectual access by the application and use of metadata.

The perfect introduction for students lacking technological expertise who are called upon to demonstrate a working knowledge of basic concepts and applications.

Preface
Acknowledgments
Part 1: Internet Technologies
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Networks
Chapter 3: Accessing the Internet
Chapter 4: Internet Technologies
Chapter 5: Higher Level Internet Protocols
Chapter 6: Internet Connected Computers and Security
Part 2: Web Publishing
Chapter 7: Web Design
Chapter 8: Graphics Primer
Chapter 9: Web Publishing with the Hypertext Markup Language
Chapter 10: Controlling Presentation with Styles
Chapter 11: Introduction to Web Programming
Chapter 12: XML Primer
Part 3: Internet Content and Information Retrieval
Chapter 13: Internet Content
Chapter 14: Information Retrieval
Chapter 15: Internet Search
Chapter 16: Libraries and the Internet
Appendix
Glossary
Bibliography
Index