Virtualization has become a "megatrend"--and for good reason. Implementing virtualization allows for more efficient utilization of network server capacity, simpler storage administration, reduced energy costs, and better use of corporate capital. In other words: virtualization helps you save money, energy, and space. Not bad, huh?

If you're thinking about "going virtual" but have the feeling everyone else in the world understands exactly what that means while you're still virtually in the dark, take heart. "Virtualization for Dummies" gives you a thorough introduction to this hot topic and helps you evaluate if making the switch to a virtual environment is right for you.

This fun and friendly guide starts with a detailed overview of exactly "what" virtualization is and exactly "how" it works, and then takes you on a tour of the benefits of a virtualized environment, such as added space in overcrowded data centers, lower operations costs through more efficient infrastructure administration, and reduced energy costs through server consolidation.

Next, you'll get step-by-step guidance on how to: Perform a server virtualization cost versus benefit analysis Weigh server virtualization options Choose hardware for your server virtualization project Create a virtualized software environment Migrate to--and manage--your new virtualized environment

Whether you're an IT manager looking to sell the idea to your boss, or just want to learn more about how to create, migrate to, and successfully manage a virtualized environment, "Virtualization for Dummies" is your go-to guide for virtually everything you need to know.

Professional Networking For Dummies explaine the essential techniques of networking to get you meeting and greeting in no time. This is the book to help you get into the networking mindset and avoid such self-defeating traps as expecting immediate returns or turning off new potential colleagues. The content includes information on making small talk, discovering where to meet new contacts, overcoming inhibitions and shyness, and getting into lifelong, career-building networking habits. Plus, you'll find special information on networking tools and technology, such as networking clubs, using voice and e-mail, Internet networking, and more.

Your ultimate one-stop networking reference Designed to replace that groaning shelf-load of dull networking books you'd otherwise have to buy and house, Networking All-in-One For Dummies covers all the basic and not-so-basic information you need to get a network up and running. It also helps you keep it running as it grows more complicated, develops bugs, and encounters all the fun sorts of trouble you expect from a complex system. Ideal both as a starter for newbie administrators and as a handy quick reference for pros, this book is built for speed, allowing you to get past all the basics--like installing and configuring hardware and software, planning your network design, and managing cloud services--so you can get on with what your network is actually intended to do. In a friendly, jargon-free style, Doug Lowe--an experienced IT Director and prolific tech author--covers the essential, up-to-date information for networking in systems such as Linux and Windows 10 and clues you in on best practices for security, mobile, and more. Each of the nine minibooks demystifies the basics of one key area of network management. Plan and administrate your network Implement virtualization Get your head around networking in the Cloud Lock down your security protocols The best thing about this book? You don't have to read it all at once to get things done; once you've solved the specific issue at hand, you can put it down again and get on with your life. And the next time you need it, it'll have you covered.

Let’s face it: the information age makes dummies of us all at some point. One thing we can say for sure, though, about things related to the Internet is that their best strengths are often also their worst weaknesses. This goes for virtual private networks (VPNs). They may reach a wide base of customers – but can also be vulnerable to viruses, hackers, spoofers, and other shady online characters and entities. VPNs may allow for super-efficient communication between customer and company – but they rely on information which, if compromised, can cause huge losses. The Internet is still a frontier – sometimes so wide open it leaves us bewildered – and, like any frontier, the risks go hand in hand with potentially huge rewards.

Virtual Private Networks for Dummies offers you a no-nonsense, practical guide to evaluating your company’s need for a VPN, understanding what it takes to implement one, and undertaking the challenging quest to set it up, make it work, and keep it safe. Whether you’re the resident expert leading the project team, or you just want to learn what makes e-commerce tick, this detailed, from-the-ground-up guide will soon have you comfortably conceptualizing:

• Security goals and strategies
• The evolution of VPNs
• Privacy in VPNs
• Extranets
• Remote-Access VPNs
• Funding
• Custom network solutions design
• Testing VPNs
• And more

With new products and technologies offering supposedly revolutionary solutions to IT departments every day, this book focuses on the real world – you know, the one full of obstacles, mishaps, threats, delays, and errors – and gives you the background knowledge to make decisions for yourself about your VPN needs. Written with a dash of humor, Virtual Private Networks for Dummies contains both technical detail (standards, protocols, etc.) and more general concepts (such as conducting cost-benefit analyses). This clear, authoritative guide will have you securely and cost-effectively networking over the Internet in no time.

Packed with the latest information on TCP/IP standards and protocols

TCP/IP is a hot topic, because it's the glue that holds the Internet and the Web together, and network administrators need to stay on top of the latest developments. "TCP/IP For Dummies, 6th Edition, " is both an introduction to the basics for beginners as well as the perfect go-to resource for TCP/IP veterans.

The book includes the latest on Web protocols and new hardware, plus very timely information on how TCP/IP secures connectivity for blogging, vlogging, photoblogging, and social networking. Step-by-step instructions show you how to install and set up TCP/IP on clients and servers; build security with encryption, authentication, digital certificates, and signatures; handle new voice and mobile technologies, and much more.Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the de facto standard transmission medium worldwide for computer-to-computer communications; intranets, private internets, and the Internet are all built on TCP/IPThe book shows you how to install and configure TCP/IP and its applications on clients and servers; explains intranets, extranets, and virtual private networks (VPNs); provides step-by-step information on building and enforcing security; and covers all the newest protocolsYou'll learn how to use encryption, authentication, digital certificates, and signatures to set up a secure Internet credit card transaction

Find practical security tips, a Quick Start Security Guide, and still more in this practical guide.