1996 Canadian Internet Handbook

Kelly Peters is webmaster of several major World Wide Web sites and an
information consultant specializing in the Internet.

This third edition of the Canadian Internet Handbook, aimed at both new
and experienced users of the Internet, covers a range of issues, from a
look at the latest Net applications to the media hype that has both
glorified and vilified the Net.

For new users of the Net, the authors explain how the Net works; point
out the differences among access providers; and compare well-known
commercial software packages for getting users on the Net (this is
extremely useful because as the software flood rises, pointers are given
on how to evaluate new releases). The authors also describe how to set
up a Web site.

Highlights of the book include a chapter on Microsoft’s recent
expansion into the Internet field both as an access provider and as an
Internet software developer (the authors believe the company will have a
significant impact on the future development of the Net); demographic
information about Canadian Internet users, provided by the Angus Reid
Group; and a chapter on Canada’s Internet milestones (with the latter
two features offering some needed Canadian perspective on the Net).

This latest edition of the Canadian Internet Handbook is as interesting
and informative as its predecessors. My only criticism concerns the
book’s organization. Technical subjects regarding the usage of
Internet tools are scattered throughout the book, as are the chapters
dealing with the issues about the Net. A more accessible format would be
logical for the new user in this otherwise excellent resource.