How Computers Talk: A Practical Guide to Modern Computer Networking
How Computers Talk: A Practical Guide to Modern Computer Networking
Understand the Internet, Protocols, and Wi-Fi — in Simple Terms, with Real-World Examples
About the Book
How Computers Talk is a clear, visual, beginner-friendly guide to modern computer networking. Whether you're a curious learner, bootcamp student, or aspiring IT pro, this book will help you finally understand how the internet works — from cables and IP addresses to Wi-Fi, DNS, and slow connections.
No technical background? No problem. We explain complex topics using real-world analogies, diagrams, and hands-on tools you already have on your computer.
Inside you’ll learn:
- How computers exchange data using protocols like TCP/IP
- Why your Wi-Fi slows down — and how to fix it
- What DNS, firewalls, and IP addresses really do
- How to use built-in tools like
ping,tracert, andipconfig - How VPNs and encryption keep your data safe
This book is adapted and expanded from the open-access textbook Computer Networking: Principles, Protocols and Practice by Olivier Bonaventure, under a Creative Commons license.
We’ve rewritten it from the ground up to make it practical, readable, and accessible — without sacrificing accuracy.
Ideal for self-learners, freelancers, remote workers, and anyone who wants to stop guessing and start understanding.
About the Author
Table of Contents
- Welcome
- Preface
- Chapter 1. How Two Computers Start Talking
- Chapter 2. The Wires, Waves and Light Behind the Internet
- Chapter 3. How Devices Recognize the Beginning and End of a Message
- Chapter 4. Reliable Delivery in an Unreliable World
- Chapter 5. Addressing: How Devices Find Each Other
- Chapter 6. Inside the Protocols: HTTP, SMTP, and Friends
- Chapter 7. Secure and Encrypted: Keeping Data Safe Online
- Chapter 8. Wireless Networking: How Devices Communicate Over the Air
- Chapter 9. Diagnosing Network Issues: Why Your Internet Fails and How to Fix It
- Chapter 10. The Future of Networking: Trends You Should Know
- BONUS: Practical Tools & Answers
- Chapter 11. Top 10 Networking Tools (for Non-Engineers)
- Chapter 12. Networking Myths Busted
- Chapter 13. Ask AI: Prompts for Networking Help
- Chapter 14. Top 20 Networking Questions Answered
- FAQ: Key Networking Terms
- Conclusion
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