Canadian Internet Handbook 1995

E. Jane Philipps is the science librarian in the Biology Library at
Queen’s University.

More than three times the size of the best-selling 1994 edition, the
1995 edition provides a physical manifestation of the enormous and rapid
growth of Internet use. Although Internet “how-to” books are
proliferating at an equally rapid pace, this one offers the most to the
Canadian Internet user.

The opening chapters discuss the nature and history of the Internet,
documenting, with fascinating examples, the vast range of Internet
applications for individuals, businesses, social and government
agencies. The remaining chapters describe specific Internet tools and
resources, explaining in straightforward—and as far as is possible
given the subject—nontechnical language. Terminology and technology
are clearly defined, and step-by-step instructions (accompanied by
practical examples) are provided for each application. The handbook can
be read cover to cover or used as a reference and guide to particular
aspects of Internet use.

More than half the book consists of a set of extremely useful
directories including listings for Canadian Internet service providers,
World Wide Web and gopher servers, newsgroups, and Internet resources.
Of course, as with any work dealing so practically with information
technology, the Handbook is already out-of-date, most notably with
respect to tools for navigating the World Wide Web. Nonetheless, the
basic content remains sound and valuable for novice and expert alike.
Highly recommended.