Book Review: Linux Made Easy, Part 1

The only thing less exciting than having to be stuck behind a computer all day is reading a large, thick-like book on using a computer. The average person, unless in a crunch for a solution to a problem involving the law or taxes, would rather just sit around and drink beer and forget that computers even exist (ignoring for a second their computer-fed TiVos and cell phones and Xboxes). In fact, reading a manual on anything, computer or no, is probably going to be way down the list of things to do on a lazy Sunday.

But the thing is, when you need a manual, especially regarding computers, then you really, REALLY need that manual! And you need it to make sense, and you need it to not assume that you already know half of the things that you're actually needing help with. And if you're needing to get started with Linux (either through desparation or sheer annoyance with alternatives), then you probably need to just go ahead and grab that beer and settle in with a copy of Linux Made Easy.

But my heart goes out to you, you drinker of beers and needer of manuals. And to prove to you that I, your faithful reviewer, feel your pain and share your ales, I will be reviewing this book along with a fine frosty mead. And I'll be throwing out the word "beer" at regular intervals in order to keep your attention. Because we're about to talk about computers, and I see you already eyeing that copy of Madden '06.

Beer aside, it's very difficult to write a review on a Linux book for newbies without also diving into a review for Linux in general. After all, while the renegade operating system is making huge strides in terms of not only market share but also in ease of use (when compared with its rather meager beginnings), it's still a concept that is going to be foreign to a very large percentage of the populace. What, not use Microsoft Windows? Not even a pretty Mac? Are you people high on paint fumes? Actually, we might be, but that's not the point of this current rambling. We're here to talk about choice.

When you get a computer, unless you buy it at an Apple store, you are more than likely buying it a place that has decided to pre-install Microsoft Windows for you. And unless you've been completely asleep for the past few years, then you know that's not always a favor to you. Between virus attacks and system crashes, most people have just come to accept the fact that computers are out to get them. Computers and robots hate mankind and want them destroyed, as any viewing of either I, Robot or Short Circuit will quickly prove. But we've accepted the fate that these sadistic and often ill-tempered machines are the only chance we have to "globalize synergistic processes" and "maximize core effiencies" in the modern workplace (and any other craptacular business jargon phrases that you might like to string together using nonsensical words that no rational person outside of a boardroom would ever say unless at gunpoint).

Article Author: David R Perry

Lost somewhere in the rolling hills of Tennessee, David R Perry can occasionally be found doing dark, unspeakable things to words. Printed words, spoken words, electronically mangled words... really any kind but twittered words.

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