The TCP/IP Guide now free online

[ixl]

Hi all,

Just wanted to tell you all that I have put The TCP/IP Guide up on the web for free, like The PC Guide is. I know some of you will find it useful. Also, the format I am using for this -- conversion from a single document using a script that generates HTML pages -- is similar to what I will be using when I rewrite The PC Guide.

Below is the announcement I am using in a few places to get the word out.

c

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I am pleased to announce that I have published the complete text of The TCP/IP Guide online in HTML form. The new TCP/IP Guide free Web site contains over 1,500 pages covering most of the more important TCP/IP protocol suite concepts, protocols and applications, in an easy-to-read reference style. It contains over 300 full-color diagrams and over 300 tables. A complete hyperlinked table of contents is included and I will be implementing a search feature in the near future.

The free Guide can be found here: http://www.TCPIPGuide.com/free

Note that the free version does have ads, and the images are watermarked. The full e-book version is still available for sale of course, and features the complete contents in a single PDF with full-text search, no ads, scalable non-watermarked diagrams and other features.

I hope this Guide will be a useful resource for the Internet community.

[Abbadon]

Wow

While I do like the idea, since now I can access it everywhere, I'm wondering if this won't hurt sales?

Oh well, it's you call of course, and it is even possible it will generate some sales.

Gonna link & mail it to the collegues here now :)

[ixl]

Abbadon,

The model of trying to sell it in ebook form only just was not working. Since it was a commercial product I had to advertise it, and it is hard to get people to try something new.

I am hoping that word will get around about it now, that people reading it will click on some ads, and that some people will like it enough to buy it in download form.

If it doesnt' work, well, I'll have to find something else to do I guess. :)

c

[pave_spectre]

I was thinking the same as Abbadon.

Plus, 1500 pages into html! That must have been one hell of job, on top of actually writing the thing in the first place even with a converting script.

[ixl]

Hi Pave,

Actually, the script makes it mostly automated. The original is written in Framemaker, to be converted to PDF. I use a tool called Mif2Go to convert it into one long HTM file (6 megs without pictures!) Then my script takes that and spits out the 1,500+ HTML pages, which I zip and upload.

This method is MUCH easier than editing the HTML directly, as I did with The PC Guide. In that case, whenever I need to make a change I have to re-edit every page. This new model is one I will be using when I rewrite The PC Guide.

As for sales, they were pretty poor so far. I am hoping that people will like the material and want to own it. We'll see.

c

[PrntRhd]

Since I am working on Network+ certification, I think posting it is a great thing.
Anything that brings clarity to the subjects is preferred vs rote memorization.

:D :D

[deddard]

Is the hard-copy publication still happening?

[ixl]

Yes the book will still happen (I hope!) but not til the end of the year.

c

[jlreich]

Thank you Charles. I had a good look at The Guide. It's very easy to understand. I will definitely be reading further. As soon as I get back on my feet from buying a house, I will purchase the download. It will be well worth it. :cool:

Thanks again Charles. :)