Customer Reviews

ASUS Eee PC For Dummies

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

In short, this is a quite good book for teaching you the basics of how to get more out of your Linux based Eee. If you bought - or are planning to buy - a Eee with WinXP preinstalled, there are probably better guides to buy than this one.

In not-so-short, this book is a good buy for having an off line reference for using the software that ships with the Linux Eee, how to set your Eee up to suit your needs and how to perform a number of useful tweaks to improve the user experience... It is not, however, a definite guide to everything. On the contrary, the author willingly admits that there are much more information available - especially online - and helpfully provides a number of links to useful sites. More on that later, first some general remarks.

Eee PC for Dummies is written in an easy, accessible and informal style that I at least found easy to follow. It's laid out in a logical progression, starting with a short discussion on the various models of the Eee available when the book went into print, showing the reader how to start using the Eee and the installed software before moving onto more advanced topics.

The book is divided into six parts: Getting Started, Day to Day, Adding Software, Hardware and Accessories, Advanced Topics and Part of Tens.

In the Getting Started section, Eee PC for Dummies starts of by telling you what exactly an Eee is (ie: a normal laptop, only smaller and with less bells and whistles), what an Eee isn't (just as important) and which models are available. This is where the major downside of this book first rears it's ugly head: Asus changes the lineup of the Eee range so frequently that many models now in sale are not discussed, and a couple of the models discussed are no longer in sale. This sounds worse than it is though - apart from the listing of models in the first section this only pops up again in the more advanced topics towards the end of the book.

Further in the first section, the book shows you how to power on your Eee, how to use the admittedly non-standard interface it presents when first started, and vitally how to get connected with either a wireless or wired connection and sharing files over your home network. Perhaps critically so early in the book, it fails to mention some of the known pitfalls of wireless connections with the Eee - this is touched upon in the last part of the book however.

In the second section - Day to Day - pretty much every application installed on the Eee gets a fairly detailed description. Several tips and hints for how to use the software on a smaller than normal screen is given, which is quite useful. In this section the author has done a good job of balancing the needs of the readers; it's neither too high flying for someone just starting out with computers, nor to shallow for those who have several years of computer experience under their belts. This treatment is given not only to the serious applications - such as the web browser and the office suite - but also to the less serious programs like the various games and graphics editors that are installed. Some space in this section is given over to how to configure and customize the Eee with the preinstalled tools - useful, since it's not the same process as on a WinXP computer - and where to find help online when you have problems.

The office suite that comes with early model Eees - OpenOffice - are given two whole chapters - a logical choice since these are large and powerful programs. However, At least some of the newer model Eees have a different office suite - StarOffice - installed. It's worth noting that both office suits share a lot of common features and are based on the same code, so this shouldn't turn potential buyers away from the book.

This section is also the one part of the book where WinXP on the Eee is discussed - briefly. Just ten pages are devoted to the topic, which covers the bare minimum of information. Again, if you bought or are planning to buy an Eee with WinXP installed, this may not be the best book for you.

The third section covers adding extra software to the Eee. It starts off sensible by explaining how software installation works under Linux, discusses briefly the Add/Remove utility that Asus installs on the Eee and the various package managers available. This can be considered the start of the more advanced part of the book - if you're happy with using the forty odd applications that comes with the Eee you can close the book when you reach this point and it'll still be money well spent.

While I miss a warning at this point, the author does a good job of explaining the various concepts and lays out easy to follow commands to find and install all sorts of software. A chapter on popular Linux programs gives the reader a quick teaser of what's out there for free. For balance the next chapter deals with free software for WinXP - this reads more as an afterthought and mostly list applications that are already installed from the factory on the Linux models.

The fourth part - Hardware and Accessories - are reasonable brief, but it covers the subject well. It shows how to add more memory - RAM - and storage easily, as well as giving a quick overview of other "much needed" accessories such as bags, spare batteries, chargers and so forth. The section is short and to the point, and contains lots of useful pointers to websites that carries accessories for the Eee.

The second to last section covers so called Advanced Topics. The first part of the section shows how to do backups and restore from them, usefully pointing out one of the reviewers favorite tools for doing this. It also shows how to restore your Eee to it's original state if - or perhaps when - you get too experimental with the software and end up breaking the system. Further on in the section the book explains how to enable the so called `Advanced Mode'; a more traditional desktop that is much the same as you'll find on any non-apple computer. The book also helpfully points out a few of the drawbacks with switching to this mode, but fails to suggest that a new user should back up his system before enabling it.

The section also contains an introduction to command line Linux, along with a list of common commands. Again this is presented in a clear and concise way, accessible for anybody, and does a good job of demystifying the command line. Another useful chapter in this section deals with how to customize the user interface, both from the command line and by using several tools created by users. The book shows how to add and remove icons and tabs from the basic interface, as well as other helpful tweaks that in the opinion of the reviewer does much to improve the usability of the Eee.

The last part - Part of Tens - covers two things: troubleshooting and essential places on the internet.

Overall, it's a book well worth considering even if you feel that you know how to use a computer and have bought - or are planning to buy - an Eee with Linux. It does, as mentioned, have a couple of shortfalls; mainly because Asus keeps changing the lineup and the applications installed. For the most part this is of little consequence, but in the section on advanced topics there are several pitfalls directly relating to this issue - for instance are the configuration files for the desktop kept in a different folder on newer Eees than the book states when it comes to customizing the desktop. However, the author throughout the book points the reader to where more information is found, and an enterprising reader will quickly go to the source to find out more.

The author of this book understands the Eee PC: what it is, what it isn't, and what it can do. These little computers are amazing tools, and people sometimes see them as either toys or simple Internet appliances, neglecting to explore their full capabilities.

Structurally, this is the classic "Dummies" book; it starts at the beginning and addresses the material clearly and directly, in logical sequence, starting with charging the Eee and turning it on, through connecting it with a network, using the pre-installed software, customization and troubleshooting.

It will be particularly useful to novice Linux users with Eees running the Xandros OS. The Linux Eees are highly useful right out of the box, using the underrated Easy Mode tabbed interface, and this book provides a complete introduction to working with this fast, simple, rock solid setup. But there is also plenty of information here for users with an experimental bent to get started adding software and customizing their Eee's interface. All the Linux basics are included (at the beginner level) but the emphasis is on working specifically with the Eee, which can be a quirky little beast. The book also offers clear introductions to all the preinstalled software packages, from the Open Office applications to the games, and tips for avoiding common problems in moving data between Linux and other operating systems.

But the XP Eees are not neglected. While I think the author is safe to assume some familiarity with the MS operating system, there are plenty of specific details about how XP works on the Eee. And of course the useful tips and tricks for getting the most out of the Eee's compact hardware apply to every user.

I've noticed over the last few years that computer writers seem to assume that all users have access to broadband Internet that is always on, and the author of this book seems to make the same assumption. I noticed at least one set of step by step instructions for a process that requires the Eee to be online to download files, and that is not mentioned. Sorry, but as the sole remaining dial-up user in the world, I notice these things.

In general, however, this is a very useful book, highly recommended for anyone who owns an Eee, and particularly for those who are thinking of acquiring one. (The section comparing the different models, and the first steps for the new owner are both first rate.) I suppose one could make the argument that most of this material is available online at no cost, but nowhere else is it so easy to find and use, or so well organized. Or so accessible when your Eee is having wireless trouble and you can't get on the Internet ...

I certainly wish this book had been available when I first got my Eee, and I'm very glad to have a copy now.

(Written on an Eee 701, running "out of the box" in Xandros Easy Mode.)

Being one of the earliest EeePC owners, I've spent a lot of time searching on the web for instructions how to use and customize my EeePC. And finally I am delighted to find a book that covers all the information you will need.

As the title suggest, this book is for EeePC users who come from the Windows world, don't know much about computer, but want to make full use of his EeePC - not just as a PDA, but also as a PC. In this book, there are comprehensive instructions on virtually everything, from simply using built-in softwares to running your EeePC with a solar battery for the EeePC (which I have searched on the web for long time without definite answer). And for some advanced topics, the book gives a link to instructions on the EeeUser Wiki.

People may argue that most of the information in this book are already on the web. But indeed many people found it difficult to look for the correct answer from the vast no. of threads in the EeeUser Forum, and moreover not all the answers in the forum are entirely correct. Many times, you have to read through pages of threads before you can get the right answer. Having this book at hand will certainly save you many trouble tweaking your EeePC.

Highly Recommended!

The Asus Eee PC is the best of the best. Get this thing! It is the best value in home computing. And this book is the perfect instruction manual. Nobody pays me. I am 70 years old and I tell you this is the truth. I'm too old to lie.

Having already had an eeePc for eight months when I got this book, I thought I knew most of what I needed to know about my small machine, but I was wrong. This book is really useful, both for new owners and old.
First of all, it is clearly set out and easy to follow. It starts out with comparisons of all the models available (up to publication), and goes on to explain the basic steps a first time user needs to take. (If you are familiar with computers you could skip this part - although, as it introduces you to Xandros which is probably not familiar to many PC users, it is worth reading). It concentrates on Xandros, the Linux system preinstalled on many eee's, without ignoring XP versions. Most people are quite familiar with Windows so the balance is well considered and there are plenty of other books about XP.
Further chapters deal with connecting to and using the Internet, using Open Office and making best use of all the preinstalled programs and games. One feature I particularly like is the information boxes. For example 'Where's the Button?' explains how to move a window extending off the screen - something I found out originally only after searching on the Internet.
Another very useful chapter is about installing software, which can be a minefield for new users.
As well as this, there is information on hardware and accessories and then some Advanced Topics which I found to be one of the most useful parts of the book. This section deals with backing up and restoring your eeePC and Command-Line Linux among other things.
The final chapter, called Part of Tens, is also extremely useful, dealing as it does with common problems users have run into, providing solutions and recommending places where online help is available, including the excellent eeeuser forum.
The writer obviously knows his eeePC inside out and is able to present his information very practically.
All in all, I thoroughly recommend this book, both to read through and to have permanently beside your eeePC where you can dip into it any time you have a problem or just want to expand your skills.

I have owned my 701 4G for over a year now. I am actually on my second EEE, the first one came with Linux (xandros) and my latest came with XP. My first EEE suffered an early death due to my modding some internal components. So I have some experience with both OS's. ASUS EEE PC for Dummies is a perfect companion to these netbooks. It covers Xandros more than XP because they already have XP for Dummies.

ASUS seems to be constantly changing and adding to the EEE line-up and I am sure Wiley will keep up with them as best the can. For example the table of models in the book might be missing a particular variation, but does an excellent job of comparing the majority of models.

This book seems perfect for the EEE owner who is new to Linux (xandros) as I am. I bought my first EEE with Linux thinking it would be a great opprotunity to learn more before using Linux on my desktop. I soon realized that I didn't know that much, and in hindsight wish I had this book at that time. I probably would have kept Xandros if I had this great reference at the time, but I ended up installing XP to get to using the EEE. Now that I have the book, I will probably dual boot both OS's to allow me to enjoy some XP games and get some Linux time in too.

The book covers the 701 through the 1000 and focuses on xandros and open source (free) applications. It has some great tips like printing to a Windows based printer (if the printer supports Linux), pinning repositories, fixing SDHC problems, universal batteries and alternate power sources like solar and pedal power (just for fun). Some of the Linux information will be old news to the experienced Linux user, but for me it was a perfect way to get comfortable with the OS and its basics. Plus just great tips like traveling with a multi-outlet adapter to be able to share an outlet at airports (obvious yes, but easily forgotten by me). I recommend this book for anyone who just picked up the EEE thinking it was going to be easy to learn Linux. Again the experienced Linux user or eeeuser.com forum member may scoff at the idea of the book, but I am not a Linux expert and found a lot of useful information presented in the typical for Dummies format. I can't compare it to any other EEE publications, but for the price it seems like a must have for anyone new to the EEE or Xandros. Well done.

RTFM - or read the f***** manual - is a crucial concept for any computer wizzard. The problem is that most manuals are unclear, impractical or simply deadly boring dull. The good news is that Joel McNamara has written an exceptional manual for the wee Asus Eee PC. Buy this book so you can easily get the most out of your light-weight companion. You will even learn how to power it by using the sun or even your own body energy. Learn how it works in a Linux and a Windows XP environment. And compare. Get the hang of fixing many bugs yourself. Unless you want to start from scratch like the author was forced to in 1980.
One final remark: the possibilities of Google Apps remained somewhat under exposed. I stick to the 5 stars though.

This is a truly excellent book for a new Eee PC user. It also probably does not fully deserve to be hidden fro more experienced users in the "For Dummies..." series.

The book also carefully treads the Windows-Linux divide without ever being biased either way. It is probably one of the most balanced comparison of pros and cons of both sides of this long standing dispute. And, true to it's stated mission to help out the new user, considerably more attention is paid to the Linux applications and the underlying OS--something a new user certainly needs much more than endless rehashing of Windows world they are most likely already reasonably familiar with.

A most definite recommendation for anyone who just purchased their gorgeous little Eee PC--new and experienced user alike.

This book is dated. The newer models really do not have most of the characteristics that are addressed in the book. It was a waste of money for todays eeepc versions.

I've had a EeePC 1000 with a 40 GB SSD and Xandros Linux OS for over 1 year. I purchased this book to learn more about the Linux OS than I have learned via Web Forums and trial and error (I've reset the OS several times, thus losing the changes I've made to the EeePC and requiring me to redo those changes - learning by rote). The reviews helped me know that although some reference was made to the Win XP OS, the Linux OS was covered in greater detail. This is true. I'm 3/4 way through the book and have picked up a few tips and refreshed myself on the basic operation of the EeePC (better than the EeePC ops manual). Also the first 17 chapters dealt with how to do things in the Simple Desktop mode and I've been on the Advance Desktop for most of the past year. The last few chapters (18 - 23 plus 2 bonus chapters) get into the Advance Desktop features, use of the Command Line, customizing the simpleui.rc file, using TweakEEE and Pimpmyeee.sh (all of which I've read about on Web Forums), as well as troubleshooting tips, internet resources, and two bonus chapters dealing with other Linux Distros and Power saving tips. These last few chapters are why I purchased this book. Over all I feel this to be a good purchase and I have found the layout of the book to be easy to follow and understand. It is nice to have a easily understood reference manual sitting beside my EeePC as I make desired changes to the PC.