Review: Beginning Ubuntu Linux
Ian Waugh says this is a great book for Linux newbies
| Product | Beginning Ubuntu Linux |
|---|---|
| Company | APress |
| Web | www.apress.com |
| Price | $39.99 £24.99 |
| We like | A superb introduction and user guide to the free and wonderful world of Linux |
| We don't like | Not much |
| Rating | 10/10 |
| Requirements |
You've probably heard of Linux even if you've not tried it. Many computer users stick with Windows because it's what they know and what their computer usually comes with. The underwhelmingness of Vista - and its price! - may have made you consider Linux although it's not easy deciding if it's for you or not.
First, there are several versions of Linux, each with its pros and cons, you may have heard that you need to use the command line to use it and that it's difficult to set up.
The first is true although there are but a handful of 'really popular' ones, Ubuntu being one. While you can indeed use the command line - as you can in Windows - the installation and setting up of modern Linux releases - called distros - is far more user-friendly now.
In addition, you can run a distro in 'Live' mode which is simply running it from the CD so you don't have to touch your existing Windows installation. The set-up routine will also allow you to create a partition so you can switch between Windows and Linux at start-up, keeping the two systems separate (although you can share files).
And, of course, Linux comes with a host of free applications so you don't have to fork out for expensive proprietary software. All in all, a good deal!
A helping Linux hand
So you're interested, but you may still need a little help. That's where Beginning Ubuntu Linux comes in. It aims to be a 'complete guide' and leads you gently but thoroughly from the very first stages of installing Ubuntu, troubleshooting, hardware configuration, and setting up the system, through to security, personalising the system, and using the applications (Windows alternatives) such as the OpenOffice components and Evolution (for email) it comes with.
Yes, you also get to use the command line (Ubuntu's BASH shell). You can do some neat things with it and it's not as difficult as you might think. There are also chapters on digital audio, multimedia, digital photographs, installing and removing software, optimizing your system, backing up your data, scheduling tasks and accessing computers remotely.
The book includes a DVD featuring the latest (current) version of Ubuntu (8.04), as well as other versions such as Kubuntu and Xubuntu (which feature different desktops) and a version for the PowerPC (G3, G4 and G5 Macs).
Of particular use to beginners are the introductory chapters which explain a little about the history and development of Ubuntu (no, it's not boring and it will help you understand where Linux is coming from - honest!) and, specifically, the differences between Windows and Linux - understanding this alone will save you countless problems.
The book is into its third edition so it must be doing something right. The authors have got the balance between techy stuff and offering a 'helpful hand' just about spot on. The style is very readable and clear.
Conclusion
Beginning Ubuntu Linux is the sort of user manual Windows should be supplied with. No book is perfect but it would be churlish indeed to pick fault with this. If you want to get started in Linux, use this book as your guide and you won't lose your way. Unreservedly recommended!
