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.
Article comments
1 - DrPat
Pop one for me, David! Beer and Linux -- perfect match!
2 - MikeO
Compare the ease of installing SuSe Linux 9.3 pro and Win Xp pro.
With Suse after 40 minutes you end up with a fully workable system.
With XP you then have to load MS Office, Acrobat, An anti-virus a proper firewall, Adobe reader, a proper dvd/cd writer ripper, etc.
Looking for all the cds takes hours. SuSe comes with everything on the 5 cds at £2 each + p&p.
Give me SuSe linux every time
3 - Ghostboy
Mandravia Linux 2005 LE is a snap to install at comes with plenty of software. I use windows exlusively but if I had to jump ship, this would be my first choice.
4 - David R Perry
All good comments, thanks guys! I'll be giving some comments on xandras as opposed to some other major distros in part 2 (but of course, I don't want to spoil the surprise).