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Ubuntu Linux for Non-Geeks: A Pain-Free, Project-Based, Get-Things-Done Guidebook

by Rickford Grant (Author)
4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 41 ratings
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Ubuntu for Non-Geeks: A Pain-Free, Get-Things-Done Guide
Ubuntu for Non-Geeks: A Pain-Free, Get-Things-Done Guide
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This newbie's guide to Ubuntu lets readers learn by doing. Using immersion-learning techniques favored by language courses, step-by-step projects build upon earlier tutorial concepts, stimulating the brain and increasing the reader's understanding. It also covers all the topics likely to be of interest to an average desktop user, such as installing new software via Synpatic; Internet connectivity; working with removable storage devices, printers, and scanners; and handling DVDs, audio files, and even iPods. It also eases readers into the world of commands, thus allowing them to work with Java, Python or other script-based applications; converting RPMs to DEB files; and compiling software from source.

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  1. ISBN-10
    1593271182
  2. ISBN-13
    978-1593271183
  3. Publisher
    No Starch Press
  4. Publication date
    August 15, 2006
  5. Language
    English
  6. Dimensions
    7 x 0.89 x 9.25 inches
  7. Print length
    360 pages
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

What people are saying about Ubuntu Linux for Non-Geeks

"No Starch Press has been on a roll with its Linux books lately, and Rickford Grant's Ubuntu Linux for Non-Geeks keeps the momentum going . . . Highly recommended." -- PC World, September 27, 2006

"Could transform you into a 'penguinista' quicker than you can say GNU General Public License." -- Linux.com, September 18, 2006

Ubuntu has been hailed as the distribution that will really get newbies feeling comfortable and confident using Linux. Even the name is user-friendly--it's a South African term that translates roughly as "humanity toward others," which could also describe author Rickford Grant's approach to teaching Linux. Rest assured, you will have a most understanding, patient, and genial guide as you embark upon this Linux adventure!

Full of tips, tricks, and helpful pointers, Ubuntu Linux for Non-Geeks is a hands-on, project-based, take-it-slow guidebook intended for those interested in--but nervous about--switching to the Linux operating system. Step-by-step projects build upon earlier tutorial concepts, helping you absorb and apply what you've learned.

Ubuntu Linux for Non-Geeks covers all the topics likely to be of interest to an average desktop user. Inside, you'll learn to:
* Download and install free applications, games, and utilities
* Connect to the Internet and wireless networks
* Configure your hardware, including printers, scanners, and removable storage devices
* Watch DVDs, listen to music, and even sync your iPod
* Download photos and videos from your digital camera, then edit and share them
* Tackle more advanced tasks as soon as you're ready

Whether you're new to computers, looking for a painfree way to make the Linux switch, or just want a low-cost alternative to Windows, Ubuntu is for you. Rickford Grant explains tech concepts in an inviting and effective style--less like an instructor and more like an easygoing friend who doesn't mind answering your questions.

About the Author

Rickford Grant, author of Linux for Non-Geeks and Linux Made Easy (both No Starch Press), has been a computer operating system maniac for more than 20 years. From the Atari XL600 to today’s Linux machines, he has been the guy behind the help desk for family, friends, and colleagues. Rickford currently resides in Raritan, New Jersey, where he spends his working hours as a teacher and his free time cycling along the Delaware and Raritan Canal or annoying his neighbors with his Nyckelharpa (a Swedish key fiddle).

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ No Starch Press (August 15, 2006)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 360 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1593271182
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1593271183
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.35 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 0.89 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 41 ratings

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Rickford Grant

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Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5
41 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book very easy to understand and helpful. They also say it's very informative.

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ReadabilityUsefulness
9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very easy to understand, fun, and easy to use. They say it's a great book for newbies to Ubuntu Linux, written in plain English without being condescending.

"...Everything is easy, works GREAT, and is FREE!!!This is the book I've ben searching for for years." Read more

"This is an excellent guide to using Ubuntu Linux, however I have needed something a little more "techy" to get me up and running...." Read more

"...This is a great introduction to the most user-friendly version of Linux to come along yet." Read more

"This is a great book for newbies to Unbuntu Linux. It could have a few more pictures and illustrations...." Read more

3 customers mention "Usefulness"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book very helpful and organized. They also say it shows them many neat things they can do with Ubuntu.

"...Otherwise, very helpful." Read more

"...but once into the install process and how to customize ubuntu it was very helpful...." Read more

"...It was easy to read, was well organized, and showed me many neat things that I could do with Ubuntu." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

McKelvin Amplifiers
5.0 out of 5 stars This is the book I've been looking for for years!
Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2007
Verified Purchase
I've tried to figure out Linux many times before but could just never get it. This book is remarkable. If you're a Linux guru this is not the book for you (it's far too simplistic for a Linux guru), but if you are a person running Windows that is sick of how poorly it performs and how much software costs, and want to switch over to a far superior operating system while making your computer faster, more secure, and never spending a penny of money on software again, this is the book for you. This book is written in plain English for people that aren't computer geeks, and is very easy to understand. It quickly gets you up and running on Ubuntu Linux (which you can download fore free) and them BAM - you're up and running. Everything is easy, works GREAT, and is FREE!!!

This is the book I've ben searching for for years.
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Devin H
4.0 out of 5 stars Good if you are a PC novice
Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2006
Verified Purchase
I was not expecting the book to be this basic. I've been a windows user all of my life and am pretty solid navigating my way around. I'm no system administrator, but I know enough to tweak windows to my liking a little bit. This Ubuntu book takes what would seem like basic, no-brainer tasks and explains them. I feel like I could have figured most of the things that this book has taught me just by playing with the system. I still give this book a good rating because it was my own dumb fault for not exploring this book enough before I bought it.

If you are uncomfortable with computers. Buy this book. If you feel comfortable with computers and have a good bit of logic in your brain, go with Ubuntu Unleashed. Unleashed will help with more troubleshooting issues and enable you to customize Ubuntu to your liking while still touching on the basics of Ubuntu.
9 people found this helpful
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Tom
5.0 out of 5 stars One more for the library
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2008
Verified Purchase
This was a fantastic book. I myself am an absolute newbie to anything other than Windows, as I'm a system administrator for my tech group. I've implemented all kinds of things, from network appliances to full animation workstation clusters. With the newly available technologies in the Linux world, I thought it would be a good idea to look into it, and a friend suggested Ubuntu as a starting point.

I like the idea that an author could write plainly and concisely, and not talk down to the reader. I myself am a big fan of the "Dummies" series, as that's how I've done most of my learning (I have no formal training). After reading all the reviews, I decided to go with this book, and I wasn't let down. After reading about the basic history of linux, it starts into the philosophy of the Ubuntu platform. Mostly the first chapter was background, and the rest was very well though out. The book started off with basic tasks, then graduated to more complex ones, not designed to create a power user, just enough to make you intermediate, bu that's definitely a great start into the research of linux.

I'm very glad I purchased this book, and would quickly suggest it to any beginner in the linux world.
One person found this helpful
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Oliver H Perry
3.0 out of 5 stars Linux Wannabe
Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2007
Verified Purchase
I've been involved in computers since 1970, first mainframes then the first "portables" that operated on CPM operating system. Still, it wasn't until BG forced Windows Vista down my throat that I finally began looking at an alternative in earnest. Ubuntu (a great alternative to Windows) for non Geeks started off as a really great book on getting Linux up and running on my lap-top. Then beginning with chapter 8 things began going down hill. The projects for using terminal mode did not work. Any of them. Although I prided myself with the ability to effectively use DOS when it was the thing, I was unable to get my hands around the terminal commands.
Then Chapter 9 and getting the Java Runtime Environment. Another failure. And here the author just assumes that everything is going swell and therefore makes no allowances for the event that things don't. Therefore there is nothing to help find the problem of why it doesn't work, or trouble shooting suggestions.
I haven't gotten beyond Chapter 9. My excitement and joy of progressing was shattered by my results of chapters 8 & 9. I will undoubtedly continue on, but "haven't gotten around to it".
Be that as it may, I still recommend the purchase of the book to get started with. And I highly recommend dumping Windows for Ubuntu. Even if I never "get around to it" in finishing up Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, it got me started and I'm using Ubuntu now more than Windows. I am running a dual-boot system and I hope and look forward to wiping Windows off my computer soon.
12 people found this helpful
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Jerry
5.0 out of 5 stars Finally. A Linux book aimed at actually helping the newbie.
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2007
Verified Purchase
The author has written a book that actually will help the newbie to Ubuntu, and maybe any Linux distro, get things done, rather than trying to dazzle the newbie with the big words and technotalk "computer experts" dearly love to use. I've got a shelf full of Linux books acquired over the past half-dozen or so years, and this is the only one I've gone all the way through, highlighting along the way, and then come back to work through many of the projects. I think the author really CARES about teaching the newbie how to ease into Linux, get things done, build confidence, and come out of the experience feeling good.

To any newbie I would say "buy this one first and save your sanity". Worry about the rest of the Linux books later. You'll be glad you did -- I'm sure of it.
9 people found this helpful
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kondoo69
4.0 out of 5 stars Very Helpful
Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2007
Verified Purchase
This is an excellent guide to using Ubuntu Linux, however I have needed something a little more "techy" to get me up and running. Some of the programs in Ubuntu do not run exactly as he says, but close enough. Otherwise, very helpful.
4 people found this helpful
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M. Ross
1.0 out of 5 stars Find another way
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2007
Verified Purchase
I've been trying to install the software all weekend but my system freezes every single time at screen 1/7 (select language) although to be fair, I got to screen 2/7 once before it froze.

Save your money and order the free CD from the Ubuntu website. By the way, there is no website (that I've been able to find) that provides support.

I'm definitely a non-geek so maybe I'm missing something but this book/CD was meant for non-geeks wasn't it?
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Money very well spent
Reviewed in Canada on March 22, 2007
Verified Purchase
I never give a five star review..would have given a 4.5.

I am a long time window's user and software professional who had limited experience with Linux world. I needed to get Mono up and running on a linux platform in order to do some RnD.

Ubuntu is getting lots of positive press these days so I picked it as my 'linux flavor'

Positive:

This book got me up to speed in short order. In a matter of a few hours I had Ubuntu installed; playing mp3s; playing mpg/avi; firewall installed; anti virus installed; using Nautilus to access our network; browsing the internet with Firefox; downloaded ftp server's tar ball , compiled and installed it ; modifed video display settings and corrupted system, restored original configuration file and recovered system; got fairly familiar with using the Terminal. Was having so much fun and so proud of myself that I forgot all about Mono. Finally, I got mono running , imported my .Net source code and did some compiling. Nice!

Negative:
---------
The only real negatives are references to software packages that can't be located through the synaptic package manager . For example, the author states that one can install firestarter by using the synaptic package manager. The only problem is that when one attempts to locate the package via synaptic it can't be found. The good news is that the author, in a previous, chapter tells you how to download souce code, build it and install it. I was able to go to firestarter's site, get the source, build it, install it and use it. A very powerful skill!

Final Word:
-----------
Made my life alot easier.

Well written , clear and well planned.
Author does not try to be clever

One needs patience when jumping into the Linux world. This book made me a fan of Ubuntu
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P. Edwards
5.0 out of 5 stars An essential guide.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 6, 2007
Verified Purchase
Let's get just one thing clear first. Ubuntu Linux rocks.

As a concept it is a breath of fresh air. At last somebody realised that there is something just plain wrong with the idea of charging a lot of money for an operating system that a) often doesn't work and b) costs rather a lot.

Ubuntu is free. It makes your computer look great and do great things. As for this book. I'd say it was essential. You only have to do the maths. Compare the price of a Windows disk to the cost of an Ubuntu disk and this book.

It's written in plain English, taking you painlessly through the stages of finding your way around Ubuntu Linux.

Worth every penny.
22 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 6, 2007
Verified Purchase
I am familiar with Windows but this knowledge only helps in general terms when it comes to Linux and this guide is essential in getting to know Linux, how it works and where to look for further information: the author does a good job of "marketing" this imperfect system. It's not suitable for those already familiar with it.
5 people found this helpful
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Stunt Ferret
5.0 out of 5 stars How to stop worrying and learn to love the Penguin
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 3, 2007
Verified Purchase
An excellent concept brilliantly executed. Got me up an running in minutes. My hope is that more IT stuff gets the same treatment.
4 people found this helpful
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