ping with python

[Paul Pfaff]

Hello,
I'm looking to write a simple Ping tool in Python 2.1.1 to log response time
> xx  ms.

Python is new for me and I find it really interesting. For the moment I have
buy following good books :
- Programming Python (Mark Lutz, O'Reilly)
- Learning Python (Mark Lutz, David Ascher, O'Reilly)

But, can you help me please :
1. I need the reference of a beginner book how explain the basic functions,
or if possible a URL.
2. Can you tell me if an IP library is available ? (commands : ping,
tracert....)

Many thanks and best regards,
Paul