Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 2nd Edition: A Pain-Free, Project-Based, Get-Things-Done Guidebook

Product Description

This newbie's guide to Ubuntu - now updated for Ubuntu 7.04 (Feisty Fawn), the latest Ubuntu release, which puts the spotlight on multimedia enablement and desktop effects - lets readers learn by doing. Using immersion-learning techniques favored by language courses, step-by-step projects build upon earlier tutorial concepts, stimulating the brain and increasing the reader's understanding.

Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 2nd Edition covers all the topics likely to be of interest to an average desktop user. Inside, you'll learn to:

# Download and install free applications, games, and utilities
# Connect to the Internet and wireless networks
# Configure your hardware, including printers, scanners, and removable storage devices
# Watch DVDs, listen to music, and even sync your iPod
# Download photos and videos from your digital camera, then edit and share them
# Tackle more advanced tasks as soon as you're ready

Full of tips, tricks, and helpful pointers, Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 2nd Edition is a hands-on, project-based, take-it slow guidebook intended for those interested in--but nervous about--switching to the Linux operating system. Step-by-step projects build upon earlier tutorial concepts, helping you absorb and apply what you've learned.

Included is a companion CD that lets you try out Ubuntu 7.04 (Feisty Fawn) without making any changes to your computer and then install it when you're ready.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #352243 in Books
* Published on: 2007-06-15
* Format: Illustrated
* Original language: English
* Number of items: 1
* Binding: Paperback
* 345 pages

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover
What people are saying about Ubuntu Linux for Non-Geeks

"No Starch Press has been on a roll with its Linux books lately, and Rickford Grant's Ubuntu Linux for Non-Geeks keeps the momentum going . . . Highly recommended." -- PC World, September 27, 2006

"Could transform you into a 'penguinista' quicker than you can say GNU General Public License." -- Linux.com, September 18, 2006

Ubuntu has been hailed as the distribution that will really get newbies feeling comfortable and confident using Linux. Even the name is user-friendly--it's a South African term that translates roughly as "humanity toward others," which could also describe author Rickford Grant's approach to teaching Linux. Rest assured, you will have a most understanding, patient, and genial guide as you embark upon this Linux adventure!

Full of tips, tricks, and helpful pointers, Ubuntu Linux for Non-Geeks is a hands-on, project-based, take-it-slow guidebook intended for those interested in--but nervous about--switching to the Linux operating system. Step-by-step projects build upon earlier tutorial concepts, helping you absorb and apply what you've learned.

Ubuntu Linux for Non-Geeks covers all the topics likely to be of interest to an average desktop user. Inside, you'll learn to:
* Download and install free applications, games, and utilities
* Connect to the Internet and wireless networks
* Configure your hardware, including printers, scanners, and removable storage devices
* Watch DVDs, listen to music, and even sync your iPod
* Download photos and videos from your digital camera, then edit and share them
* Tackle more advanced tasks as soon as you're ready

Whether you're new to computers, looking for a painfree way to make the Linux switch, or just want a low-cost alternative to Windows, Ubuntu is for you. Rickford Grant explains tech concepts in an inviting and effective style--less like an instructor and more like an easygoing friend who doesn't mind answering your questions.

About the Author
Rickford Grant, author of Linux for Non-Geeks and Linux Made Easy (both No Starch Press), has been a computer operating system maniac for more than 20 years. From his earliest days with his Atari XL600 to his present Linux machines, he has been the guy at the other end of the computer help line for family, friends and colleagues. Now making his home in Raritan, N.J., Rickford spends his working hours as a teacher, and his free time cycling along the Delaware & Raritan Canal or annoying his neighbors with his Nyckelharpa (Swedish key fiddle) playing.
Customer Reviews

Ubuntu for Non Geeks 2nd Edition4
I have tried other Linux programs before this, but I really like this one. Between the book and the included installation disc, you can't go wrong.

As other reviewer said misleading.1
This book tells you about 2% of what you need to know to figure out anything in Linux. Linux supports virually nothing in the way of programs, games or software, just get a Mac with OS X leopard or if you want to use windows get XP all the stuff you need a masters in computer science to do is already done you just use the OS and enjoy. Linux as one reviewer said earlier is no where near as easy as Windows or Mac OS X. Linux is for programmers not the average computer user. I use computers with process controls for a living and I don't have time to configure linux to just work so i can get my work done which is way I use XP or OS X. This book has facts like (this is a quote from the book) "If Linux Ubuntu does not recognize your wireless card it can be easily fixed by getting a new one" Thats not how to fix things or use Linux just buy new hardware to suit Linux, I don't think so to hell with linux.

I really enjoyed this book5
A very well structured tutorial for absolute beginners. Written in a friendly, entertaining, companionable style. I am new to Linux and found the book filled in a lot of the background history to the development of Linux and provided enough information about the file structure and concepts such as the Bash shell for me to understand at a basic level what I'm doing. Highly recommended for any non-programmer who is interested in trying out Linux. After following through the exercises in the book you will have a fully functional multimedia system and will be able to confidently customise your Ubuntu system to make it look and feel exactly the way you want it.