reading data from tcp sockets

hi

im working in a C code and unix environment.
and currently reading up on tcp/ip and socket programming.

Can anyone recommend good article/section of book specifically dealing with constantly monitoring sockets for data arrival.
what is best, most efficient approach(s) to consider?
I guess a basic idea is to start a timer and check the socket for data on every expiration.

Is there more advanced approaches - like i/o signal or interrupts that I should also consider.

Pointers appreciated as there is loads of material out there so a short cut would be great.
thanks.