Enjoy fast, FREE delivery, exclusive deals and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery

FREE Returns

FREE delivery June 1 - 5

Or fastest delivery May 30 - June 1

Select delivery location

[{"displayPrice":"$34.95","priceAmount":34.95,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"34","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"95","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"3e4VgIQtlvpRmC2TXj4FUWB%2FXfmZo9bgw%2Fa%2FbnDCk4ptx0%2Bmogr9sBunh7%2BlQWxZfxC%2Fbv1xtgV%2FtoEdXyRPpuTXtQcktoEFec69pYE6oCN0HEd4SCpWF3m6IDnQufxThiifpKkMmuw%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW"},{"displayPrice":"$6.65","priceAmount":6.65,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"6","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"65","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"3e4VgIQtlvpRmC2TXj4FUWB%2FXfmZo9bgFvNa%2B4XEK%2FXnkLPBvFpdau4bjaLOi%2FAhYtYT71TGLVKNsgora76yRYgrsyTvVdGr0jttPj4D3sL2OPG7r0Py%2B85T0L4tGvmdJklJk9Weqp5SedCoI9f63VI45rb%2FgsPFWb%2FNZ%2F1gBRWFM3rSWRMDgw%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED"}]

$$34.95 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details

Payment

Secure transaction

Ships from

Amazon.com

Sold by

Amazon.com

Returns

Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt

Details

Payment

Secure transaction

We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more

Ships from

Amazon.com

Sold by

Amazon.com

Returns

Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt

This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.

Read full return policy

Add a gift receipt for easy returns

FREE delivery June 1 - 7. Details

Or fastest delivery May 25 - 30. Details

Select delivery location

Used: Good | Details

Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas

Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.

Have one to sell?

Sell on Amazon

Flip to back Flip to front

Listen Playing... Paused You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition.
Learn more

See this image

Follow the Author

Rickford Grant

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

by Rickford Grant (Author)

4.1 41 ratings

See all formats and editions

Price

New from

Used from

Paperback

"Please retry"

$34.95

$4.49

Paperback
$6.65 - $34.95

11 Used from $4.49 1 New from $34.95

There is a newer edition of this item:

Ubuntu for Non-Geeks: A Pain-Free, Get-Things-Done Guide
$11.97
(60)
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.

Purchase options and add-ons

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.

ISBN-10

1593271182
ISBN-13

978-1593271183
Publisher

No Starch Press
Publication date

August 15, 2006
Language

English
Dimensions

7 x 0.8 x 8.25 inches
Print length

360 pages
See all details

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 todays 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 0.8 x 8.25 inches

Customer Reviews:
4.1 41 ratings

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Videos

Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video!

Upload your video

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.

Rickford Grant

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.

Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read author blogs and more

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5

41 global ratings

5 star		49%
4 star		26%
3 star		14%
2 star		4%
1 star		7%

How customer reviews and ratings work

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Oliver H Perry

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

Helpful

Tom

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

Helpful

Devin H

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

Helpful

McKelvin Amplifiers

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.

Helpful

Jerry

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

Helpful

Carl Addington

Ubuntu Linux for Non-Geeks

Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 13, 2007

Verified Purchase

This is one of the best "how-to" computer books I've seen in ages. While the Linux operating system holds a great deal of promise as an alternative to Windows or Mac OS, most Linux books are heavy on command line and theory, but short on how to get up-and-running and start getting productive.

Linux for Non-Geeks takes a step-by-step approach, clearly explaining everything in layman's terms in a way that will get you started in no time. The authors use a "project-based" approach, where each subsequent step builds on the preceding step. Most important, all the procedures work! All steps in this book have obviously been thoroughly field tested so there are virtually no surprises. This is a great introduction to the most user-friendly version of Linux to come along yet.

5 people found this helpful

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Stunt Ferret

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

Amazon Customer

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

Amazon Customer

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

P. Edwards

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

See all reviews

Amazon Music Stream millions of songs	Amazon Advertising Find, attract, and engage customers	6pm Score deals on fashion brands	AbeBooks Books, art & collectibles	ACX Audiobook Publishing Made Easy	Sell on Amazon Start a Selling Account

Amazon Business Everything For Your Business	Amazon Fresh Groceries & More Right To Your Door	AmazonGlobal Ship Orders Internationally	Home Services Experienced Pros Happiness Guarantee	Amazon Ignite Sell your original Digital Educational Resources	Amazon Web Services Scalable Cloud Computing Services

Audible Listen to Books & Original Audio Performances	Book Depository Books With Free Delivery Worldwide	Box Office Mojo Find Movie Box Office Data	ComiXology Thousands of Digital Comics	DPReview Digital Photography	Fabric Sewing, Quilting & Knitting

Goodreads Book reviews & recommendations	IMDb Movies, TV & Celebrities	IMDbPro Get Info Entertainment Professionals Need	Kindle Direct Publishing Indie Digital & Print Publishing Made Easy	Amazon Photos Unlimited Photo Storage Free With Prime	Prime Video Direct Video Distribution Made Easy

Shopbop Designer Fashion Brands	Amazon Warehouse Great Deals on Quality Used Products	Whole Foods Market America’s Healthiest Grocery Store	Woot! Deals and Shenanigans	Zappos Shoes & Clothing	Ring Smart Home Security Systems

eero WiFi Stream 4K Video in Every Room	Blink Smart Security for Every Home	Neighbors App Real-Time Crime & Safety Alerts	Amazon Subscription Boxes Top subscription boxes – right to your door	PillPack Pharmacy Simplified	Amazon Renewed Like-new products you can trust

Amazon Prime includes:

Buy new: $34.95$34.95 FREE delivery: June 1 - 5 Ships from: Amazon.com Sold by: Amazon.com

Buy used: $6.65

Follow the Author

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

There is a newer edition of this item:

Purchase options and add-ons

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

About the Author

Product details

Videos

About the author

Rickford Grant

Customer reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Top reviews from other countries

Buy new:

$34.95

FREE delivery: June 1 - 5

Ships from: Amazon.com

Sold by: Amazon.com

Buy used:

$6.65