I have read 3 books recently on Ubuntu Linux, and this was easily the best of the bunch. It is well-written and well-edited (some computer books, when first released, have an unacceptable number of errors in them). If you are new to Ubuntu, or even new to Linux, this book is a great introduction to Ubuntu Linux. However, it goes beyond that. When you finish the book, you will have a lot of knowledge about Ubuntu, and you will be much more comfortable with this excellent operating system.
It also suggests additional resources from which you can get more info if you want or need it. Of course, no book of this kind can be all things to all people. Power users, programmers, and those who want to learn all about the innards of Ubuntu will need more advanced books and/or instruction.
The chapter progression makes sense, and the authors do a good job of showing you how Ubuntu can be a more than adequate, and in many ways better, replacement for Windows. The authors also introduce you to the software that comes with Ubuntu, as well as the wealth of additional software, mostly free, that is available for installation in Ubuntu, a lot of which provides free alternatives to the Windows software that can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on your needs and wants. The book walks you through some procedures that will help you get hands-on experience.
Also, not a minor point, the binding allows the book to lay flat when open while you are using it as a reference.
This book, the fourth edition, specifically covers Ubuntu 10.04 (Lucid Lynx), so there can be minor differences if you are using an earlier version or the newer 10.10 (Maverick Meerkat); this is simply one of the issues that has to be dealt with when purchasing and reading books about computer technology. (If you are using version 10.10, as I am, some of the procedures will not work, or will work a little differently - you will have to do a little searching to determine the replacement procedures.)
The included CD has version 10.04 on it, and because it can be used as a live CD (see the book for the explanation), you can try Ubuntu without actually installing it.
I highly recommend this book for beginning to intermediate users. Another well-written and well-edited book on Ubuntu Linux (which also covers version 10.04) is Beginning Ubuntu Linux, Fifth Edition, which is a more comprehensive reference, and would be a great follow-up to Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, although there will inevitably be some repetition if you read both books.
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
