A guide for anyone wanting to take their first steps in building, managing and using a network. It examines the changes in technology using Windows 98, Windows NT, NetWare 5 and networking suites such as Microsoft BackOffice. It also contains instruction on dealing with the network peripherals, hooking up to the Internet, dialling in to a network, and setting up a home network. There is a preview of Windows 2000 to help network neophytes gain a head-start on the new software.