BKWWWUNL.RVW 950427
"The World Wide Web Unleashed", December/Randall, 1994, 0-672-30617-4,
U$35.00/C$47.95
%A John December decemj@rpi.edu
%A Neil Randall nrandall@hookup.net
%A boutell@netcom.com aa293@detroit.freenet.org lemay@netcom.com
%A clpascal@cantor.math.uwaterloo.ca drwool@well.com
%C 201 W. 103rd Street, Indianapolis, IN 46290
%D 1994
%G 0-672-30617-4
%I SAMS Publishing
%O U$35.00/C$47.95 800-858-7674 75141.2102@compuserve.com
%P 1058
%S ... Unleashed
%T "The World Wide Web Unleashed"
This is the most complete work on the World Wide Web that I have seen to date.
It definitely contains more information than other works on the topic. Be
aware, however, that the content quality is not consistent throughout.
Parts one and two are the usual introduction both to the Internet, and to Web
browsers. Coverage of browsers is broader than most (although not as
exhaustive as, say, "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the World Wide Web" (cf
BKCIGWWW.RVW)). The discussion of different programs has, though, little
analysis. Mosaic is presented as "not the only" browser, but its weaknesses in
handling email and forms are not mentioned.
Part three gives some very insightful tips on W3 concepts, operation and use.
Searching techniques and tools are only part of the scope of what should be
required reading for serious Web users.
Part four is the obligatory list of Web sites, complete with page-filling
screen shots from each. The material on education, science, communications and
government brings up a lot of new content. Part five, on Web design and
creation, may be considered overlong for those wanting to plan a simple W3
server. The "case study" indicates that a project of larger scope is
envisioned, and, from that perspective, there is a lot of valuable material
here that you will not find elsewhere.
Part six, on future trends, is disappointing. Two chapters touch on security
and its importance to commercial use of the net. Neither addresses the
inherent security loopholes of the Web, nor the difficulty imposed by the fact
of two competing encryption technologies. (Nor, indeed, the use of
technologies in a "World Wide" system where one country refuses to let secure
systems be exported, while others simply refuse to allow their citizens
encryption at all.)
Certainly quite comprehensive, and extremely valuable in places, there are
still some holes to be plugged, and repetitive sections that should be reduced.
copyright Robert M. Slade, 1995 BKWWWUNL.RVW 950427
Fair Use reprint for scholarly use only.