Book Review: Ubuntu Linux For Non-Geeks by Rickford Grant - Page 2

So anyway, a lot of people are finding out about Linux because they are either (a) fed up with Windows and looking for an alternative, (b) broke and can't afford either Windows or Macs, or (c) tech geeks who know several other reasons why they'd like to be using something else. In fact, I'm one of them (file me under “c” for “geek”). I recently switched over to Linux, and specifically to Ubuntu, and am typing this on my newly configured laptop as we speak. I'm not actually new to the world of Linux, but even I found some good information and nice tricks while going through Ubuntu Linux For Non-Geeks.

The book is safe for complete newbies to the world of Linux, and even to the world of computers. It walks you through literally everything from installation of the software, all the way to guided explanations on each major area of programs you might want to run. It does help if you have some prior computing experience, but if not then don't let that scare you away. It's a lot like Kix cereal: kid-tested, mother-approved.

Chapters are arranged by task, which is nice for clustering information into more relevant chunks. For example, installing the operating system and application software is all one chapter. Setting up your printer is another. Using your iPod is still another. This helps those who may not need every section, as some may not be wholly relevant to your needs, or are just something you've already figured out). For the most part, you could skip around chapters in whatever order you like. When there are skills or programs that have been previously covered, Mr. Grant either repeats the information or re-mentions the section that explains the item in more detail.

Because of the book's focus on welcoming new Linux users, there will be a good deal of information that is beneath the level of someone who may just be new to Ubuntu but has used other Linux distros. If so, then you probably don't need a book like this to begin with, and would be better served with something geared towards the guts and inner workings of the underlying OS.

But even with that said, there were still quite a few things I learned that give the book appeal as a nice reference for even intermediate users. First off, the chapter on using the command line for basic operational tasks is very clear and well laid out. It's one of the best introductions I've seen. He introduces some basic concepts (and assures you that using a command line to do stuff really isn't as hard as you might think), and then quickly jumps to providing some easy and practical exercises that help the information stick. Speaking as a novice command line guy, it's a great reference chapter to keep on hand, as it gathers most of the common functions that you might want to quickly use on a regular basis.

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