This book assumes you have a computer running Windows 95/98 and that you're reasonably adept at using it--you know how to use the mouse, start programs, manipulate windows, and the like. It also assumes you just want to get on the Internet to surf the Web and use electronic mail--you have no immediate interest in publishing your own pages on the Web or anything more complicated like that.
Snell begins with a discussion of the essential hardware you need to connect to the Internet. He also provides a summary of the various types of Internet service providers (ISPs) available in the United States. He shows you how to get connected to an ISP and then explains how to use your browser--including its abilities to mark sites you like and help you find information you want. Later chapters explain how to configure and use an e-mail program. Snell gives fair coverage to both Netscape Communicator 4.6 and the Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 suite. --David Wall