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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Book Review - Ubuntu for Non-Geeks

About the Book
This book makes the transition to Linux easy by offering readers hands-on instruction to help them get up, running, and comfortable with Ubuntu, fast. In addition to covering the latest features of Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx), this edition includes five new chapters that take readers through common tasks like installing games, accessing social networks, troubleshooting common hardware and software problems, connecting with the Ubuntu community, and accessing the files on their Windows installation.


"A lot has happened since the first edition of Ubuntu for Non-Geeks came out, and Linux has attracted more users than ever before," said co-author Rickford Grant. "Our goal with this edition was to address the needs of the ever-growing, varied population of Linux users and to gently welcome newcomers into the world of Linux." Co-author Phil Bull went on to say, "We didn't want to introduce readers to Linux with list upon list of dry instructions. Instead, our approach was to concentrate on doing interesting things, tinkering with settings, working through cool projects, and generally having fun, while still covering the fundamentals."

In Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, readers learn how to:
  • Install Ubuntu and keep it updated
  • Set up printers, scanners, USB flash drives, and other hardware
  • Install and play free games like Frets on Fire, Frozen Bubble, and Warzone 2100
  • Watch DVDs, listen to music, and sync their iPod, iPhone, and other mobile devices
  • Edit and share digital photos and videos
  • Create documents, spreadsheets, and presentations
  • Customize the look and feel of their system
  • Work with Windows files and programs on Linux
  • Connect with the Ubuntu community to get support or join in
  • Work with the command line (or avoid it altogether!)
Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 4th Edition is just what readers need to get started with Linux.

About the Authors
Rickford Grant is the author of Linux for Non-Geeks and Linux Made Easy. He has been a computer operating system maniac for more than 20 years, from his early days with an Atari XL600 to his current Linux machines. Rickford is the international student advisor at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina.

Phil Bull is an author of the official Ubuntu documentation, and a member of the GNOME documentation project. He has been helping people with computers since his early teens, and has been an open-source contributor since 2005. Phil currently spends his time studying astrophysics in sunny Manchester, UK.

My Take on the Book
As a person that considers himself a tech-lover, but not a geek, this was a book that really opened my eyes to a new operating system that I have only dabbled in the past. I have not really used linux in the past but had heard good things so this book sounded like a great buy. As a newbie to linus this book does a great job at easing the reader into the system itself. It explains things step-by-step in a way that even the least competent can understand. As I read further and further into the book I was quite impressed with the way that the material is shared. By the end of the book I felt so much more comfortable with the material and with the language in general.


Overall, if you are trying to learn Ubuntu, this book is a great resource. You will find it easy to read and understand and it will really assist you in your overall comprehension.

If this book looks like a book that you would like in your own library you can find it on Amazon!


All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company.  Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Terms of Use  for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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