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Ubuntu for Non-Geeks: A Pain-Free, Project-Based, Get-Things-Done Guidebook
"A fast, crystal-clear topical tour of the amazing collective accomplishment embodied in Ubuntu." -Cory Doctorow, Boing Boing Ubuntu 8.04 has been hailed as the Linux distribution for newbies, and it's certainly the Linux for the less geeky among us. Even the name is user friendly-it's a South African term that translates roughly as "humanity toward others" and could also describe author Rickford Grant's approach to teaching Linux. Full of tips, tricks, and helpful pointers, Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 3rd Edition is a hands-on, project-based guide to Ubuntu 8.04 for those interested in-but nervous about-switching to the Linux operating system. This edition has been updated for Hardy Heron, the latest Ubuntu release (8.04), with its improved multimedia support and desktop effects. Step-by-step projects build upon earlier tutorial concepts, helping you absorb and apply what you've learned. Ubuntu for Non-Geeks covers those day-to-day tasks that most non-geeks will want to perform, like how Whether you're new to computers, looking for a pain-free way to make the Linux switch, or just want a low-cost alternative to Windows, Ubuntu 8.04 is easier than ever. Try it and you'll see.
336 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
March 14, 2010
Walked me through my very first experience with Linux, which I ended up with on both my laptop and desktop. Especially valuable was the included Ubuntu 6.06 LiveCD: imagine buying a ~$30 book about Windows and getting a Windows install disk for free!
The writing style is casual but not uninformative, and the projects-based approach is a good way to ease into the book and operating system. It's pretty comprehensive for the average desktop user, covering the initial setup and installation (ridiculously easy), using the included software or installing alternatives and extras, getting some of your Windows programs to work, and some explanations about the Linux philosophy manage to sneak in, but you're not clobbered over the head by the GNUstick. Most projects have simple steps or, alternatively, more advanced command-based procedures for achieving the same results.
Even if you never install Ubuntu, you can use this book and the CD to learn about using it. If you can find this or a later edition at your local library, even better: there's no restriction on copying the CD that's included with the book (even the fine print says so)! Borrow the book, copy the disk, use and return the book but keep your copy of the disk if you like. Keep in mind, though, that by now the OS version on the accompanying disk is about 7 releases out of date. Nevertheless, most of the contents of the book will work just fine on newer Ubuntu versions, and act as a handy offline reference. Still, if you can get a later edition of the book that covers/comes with Ubuntu 7.04, 8.04, or if you manage to snag the next edition out sometime after June of 2010, you'll be better off.
The writing style is casual but not uninformative, and the projects-based approach is a good way to ease into the book and operating system. It's pretty comprehensive for the average desktop user, covering the initial setup and installation (ridiculously easy), using the included software or installing alternatives and extras, getting some of your Windows programs to work, and some explanations about the Linux philosophy manage to sneak in, but you're not clobbered over the head by the GNUstick. Most projects have simple steps or, alternatively, more advanced command-based procedures for achieving the same results.
Even if you never install Ubuntu, you can use this book and the CD to learn about using it. If you can find this or a later edition at your local library, even better: there's no restriction on copying the CD that's included with the book (even the fine print says so)! Borrow the book, copy the disk, use and return the book but keep your copy of the disk if you like. Keep in mind, though, that by now the OS version on the accompanying disk is about 7 releases out of date. Nevertheless, most of the contents of the book will work just fine on newer Ubuntu versions, and act as a handy offline reference. Still, if you can get a later edition of the book that covers/comes with Ubuntu 7.04, 8.04, or if you manage to snag the next edition out sometime after June of 2010, you'll be better off.
December 18, 2007
Useful and practical. I pull it out occasionally when I have trouble. Probably more useful then most manuals, for those of us who are not professional computer administrators. Takes the deep magic out of using Linux. Linux is not quite 'out-of-the-box' works, but this helps through the hiccups.
(I can't imagine giving a computer manual more than three stars. It would need serious originality for that. This serves its purpose well. No more or less.)
(I can't imagine giving a computer manual more than three stars. It would need serious originality for that. This serves its purpose well. No more or less.)
December 19, 2007
I like this book because it is a great introduction to Ubuntu. Unfortunately it was written for Feisty Fawn distro, but after installing Gutsy Gibbon 7.10 I found the book very helpful. If you are an Ubuntu beginner as I am this is a great first book to get you going. It includes using the Terminal Command Line Interface (CLI) similar to using DOS commands, as well as how to download software (all free), how to install a firewall, set up users and permissions, set up a network, etc.
May 6, 2012
This is a a handy book to own if you are starting out with Ubuntu Linux. As Linux can be quite different from Windows, this book is a great help in getting a serviceable installation up and running.
If you want to do more advance stuff like setup a web server etc, then this book probably isnt the best place to start, but if you need to setup email, play music, create documents etc, this book is well worth picking up!
If you want to do more advance stuff like setup a web server etc, then this book probably isnt the best place to start, but if you need to setup email, play music, create documents etc, this book is well worth picking up!
February 6, 2011
This was a handy guide that helped me get through the initial steps of getting MS Windows off my home computer and switching to Ubuntu OS instead. Because Ubuntu gets a major update every six months, it's actually a little out of date, but I learned a lot and will keep it on my shelf for future referral and problem solving.
April 28, 2011
Does axactly what it says on the tin.
But if you have internet access you can find all this out on forums etc.
Lets you know how to add and tweak a bunch of stuff on Ubuntu...or you could just use Mint or Pinguy.
Like all of these guides it does go out of date fairly quickly due to new releases, but it's based on the last LTS version.
But if you have internet access you can find all this out on forums etc.
Lets you know how to add and tweak a bunch of stuff on Ubuntu...or you could just use Mint or Pinguy.
Like all of these guides it does go out of date fairly quickly due to new releases, but it's based on the last LTS version.
May 18, 2011
this book allowed me to say goodbye to crappy ass windows 7 and start running my laptop with ubuntu. now its like i have a brand new computer that actually works. its fast and dependable and grants me access to all kinds of super rad free software. ubuntu makes me happy. good resource book.
PS: open source is better then open sores.
PS: open source is better then open sores.
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August 4, 2009This was a pretty important book for getting me started using Ubuntu-Linux... The chapter about customizing the desktop showed me how to have fun configuring my computer to look different from everyone else's.
March 20, 2010
Keeping up with the updates for Ubantu is rough which is why I was willing to go along iwth the 8.04 version while clearly we are somewhere in the 9s Regardless, I learned alot. I like the exercises that the author included in the book and he explained Bash better than the Dummies book.
June 3, 2012
This is a great book for anyone wanting to learn the basics of Ubuntu Linux but I'm afraid it may be a bit out of date on the GUI side of things.
January 25, 2011
The title says it all, it's really meant for non-geeks. Nonetheless it's an easy read and I believe for those people new to linux it's the perfect beginning.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews