Customer Reviews

Netbooks: The Missing Manual

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

 

 

Netbooks the missing manual

Netbooks are the bright spot in the world of personal computers. More powerful than a mobile phone, but without the bulk nor the power of a laptop, netbooks represent the "just right" mix of features, portability and price.

The earliest netbooks came with various versions of Unix which made them downright scary to non-technical users. Then after some negotiations with Microsoft, a majority of netbooks now have Windows XP. Netbook owners running Windows XP will find little value in this book. The book assumes no background with Windows and walks the reader through the very basics of setup and usage such as configuring email or an Internet connection. What is missing for Windows netbook owners is general tips and tricks specific to the unique characteristics of netbooks. Biersdorfer briefly covers some ideas for backup and synchronization, but doesn't go in enough depth to really be useful and worth the price of admission.

In contrast, Biersdorfer's coverage of Ubuntu is invaluable for owners of netbooks that come with Ubuntu, such as the Dell Mini. I know when I first encountered a Mini with Ubuntu I was completely lost. While Ubuntu is intuitive, it takes some getting used to. Ubuntu doesn't come with a manual and Dell tech support as of this writing won't answer Ubnutu questions. Coverage of printer and email setup is something of value to Unix based netbook owners. All this stuff is out on the Internet, but this book is designed for the non-technical end user. The author's coverage is excellent and comprehensive.

If you have a Windows-based netbook, take a pass on this book as a majority of the explanations apply to any Windows based computer. However, if you have a Ubuntu based netbook, you'll find this book an invaluable resource to translate your Windows knowledge into the Ubuntu world.

Pros: Excellent coverage of Ubuntu for netbooks
Cons: Few netbook specific tips and tricks for Windows users

Netbooks are different than desktop pc's. This book is a fine reference to have. Its simplely written, straight forward and easy to follow. Its a show and tell of the uses, capacities and functions of the netbook. Very usefull to the novice.

Primarily covers Windows XP; wish there was more on Windows 7 OS. Good general guide, however; have found answers to several questions there!

I'm not much of a techie but this book was pretty basic even for me.
The tips I did try, like "video chat on Yahoo", didn't work at all.

This book tells you everything you NEED to know but, won't find out any other way. From buying to repairing - it can't be beat. I bought mine before I bought my Netbook and I refer to it constantly. It has saved my netbook many times (and my sanity). Do Not Hesitate.

I found the information in this book to be a little "dated" with all the new technology improvements since it was written. A lot of it dealt with things that anyone who has used any kind of computer before would already know, although it might rate a "5" star from a newby to computing. I will keep it as reference for my new laptop (we didn't ultimately buy a netbook), but not sure I would recommend it.