Customer Reviews

Moving to Linux, Second Edition: Kiss the Blue Screen of Death Goodbye! (2nd Edition)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had never used the Linux operating system before I bought this book. This book introduces all aspects of Linux in a way that is easy to understand. It comes with a CD that simulates having Knoppix (a distribution of Linux) loaded, and allows you to "test-drive" Linux without actually loading the operating system or making any changes to your existing Windows setup.
With detailed illustration (and a sense of humor), the author does a great job of helping a newbe become familiar with the Linux operating system. I ended up loading SUSE Linux 10.0 from Novell. There are a few small differences between SUSE and Knoppix (and the many other Linux distributions) but most of what is in the book still applies.
If you are considering Linux as your operating system, I would recommend this book.

[A review of the 2ND EDITION, August 2005.]

A nice feature of the second edition is that it comes with a BOOTABLE CD. Another linux enthusiast, Klaus Knopper, came up with a popular variant of linux, now named Knoppix, that can be booted from a CD. Gagne uses this approach so that you can "test drive" much, though not all, of what he shows in the book. In other words, on your Microsoft computer, you can boot off the book's CD and try the various linux applications and environment for yourself. Without having to install linux or do anything to your existing Microsoft installation. Cool.

The utility of this is hard to overstate. If you have no background in linux, you might naturally be trepid in converting to it. But now, you are not limited to just reading the text and admiring the screen shots. You can actively try out the Knoppix linux desktop. And the OpenOffice applications that come with it. These have much of the functionality of the Microsoft Office suite. But OpenOffice is free. Gagne stresses this. A very capable free word processor. Ditto for a spreadsheet. Etc.

Linux even has a portfolio of games. Gagne describes a bunch of them. Poker. Mahjongg. Solitaire and others. Comparable to the default games that come with a Microsoft operating system. Though, in fullness, you should be aware that the latest non-Microsoft games, especially the twitch ones, tend to be written for the Microsoft platform. There are not really that many powerful, popular games for linux.

This is an excellent book for anyone interested in getting away from the Microsoft monopoly, viruses, spyware, Blue Screen of Death, etc. Easy to read, well organized, simple yet concise with a smattering of humor. If you have some knowledge on how to use MS Windows and want to put it to use in a better/safer way, Try Linux with this Book. Comes with bootable CD that allows you to test your hardware for Linux compatability and try it out. Linux has come a long way and is ready for the GUI only user. The best "newbie" book I've seen.

Writing like a friend who is walking you through his favorite application, Moving to Linux, Second Edition is a very user friendly read with a lot of excellent information. Before you know it you have completed the book, had a lot of fun, understand the basics of Linux and have had an introduction to some of the most popular Linux based programs. With a fully bootable CD-Rom version of Linux included you can work with the Linux operating system without affecting your current system. The author does not get into the details of working outside the graphical interface or changing the boot configuration files or other more technically oriented topics, but if you want to know something about Linux, and how to work with it from the user or desktop perspective, then it is a good choice. By the time you are done you will have worked with the Firefox web browser, setup your network, sent and received email with your existing accounts, worked with music, graphics, a file manager, contact manager, word processor, spreadsheet, and various games. Moving to Linux, Second Edition is a highly recommended read for anyone who wants to move to Linux or get an introduction to it without committing to the operating system right off the bat.

Roberto.........unfortunately I've seen the Blue Screen of Death 5x in the last 2 days. I'm running Windows XP SP2, etc. Perhaps its time to buy this book!

Perhaps you didn't like the title. I would have appreciated an actual review of the book, not a bashing of the title. So, I'm giving the book 5 stars to balance out your 2 stars.

I love Linux and would encourage anyone to at least try it. I still run Windows XP on my laptop. As a systems architect there's advantages of knowing multiple platforms. Don't let a questionable title spoil your fun of trying out a new OS.

Good book. Easy to read. Easy to understand.

It is not "locked in" to one distribution of Linux (brand name). It briefly gives procedures of several different distributions in text where applicable. (Yes, it might not include 'yours', but it will indicate similarities.)

Enjoyed it from cover to cover.

I have all of Mr. Gagnes books,I find them informative,practical,
well written. The books are good for the new user as well as good reference sources. I can not wait for his next book.

Bruce Willenberg

The book is well written, with the novice in mind. I've been a linux user for a few years now, and was able to learn a few bits as well.
Would highly recommend to those wishing to try linux, but unsure where to start.

Extremely disingenuous title!
Yes, Windows 3.1 was a piece of junk. Windows 95 was a junk with pretty good facelift, but... that was in the Ice Age. Did the author hear about OS called Windows 2000? Both at home and at work my main PCs are W2000. I supported bunch of heavy duty Windows 2000 servers and I have yet to see infamous "Blue Screen of Death". No luck so far.

Maybe the book was written 5-6 years ago and the author just now had time to publish?

I am not biased either way and in fact I am hardcore Unix fan, but I don't like gratuitous attacks especially when they are anachronisms.
As to the content of the book it is very superficial even for the beginner and intermediate user. For that audience Peter van der Linden's Guide to Linux is much more superior!

Gagné, you didn't gain much after year 2000, pardon the pun.