Good introductory Ubuntu Book

[Odyssey]

I'm easing back into Linux, holding at Ver. 7.04 as it has noticeably more features than earlier versions, is rock stable and definitely user friendly. To refresh, I finally read "Ubuntu Linux for Non-Geeks" by Rickford Grant which I had bought some time ago. It is the first edition and there is a second version now in print. The third edition is due out in June 08.

http://www.edgy-penguins.org/mainmenu.html

It is unusually well written and the best introductory book I have read. If anyone is thinking about Ubuntu and their needs are the usual suspects (email, browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, and music including streaming and podcasts, etc), I would say that this book makes it possible to move to Linux now. The parenthethical probably should include graphics and photos with GIMP, but I have not yet tried it and so cannot comment other than to say I read good comments on it.

If you have any critical apps in Windoze that aren't yet available in Linux, e.g., Quickbooks, you will need to dual boot, (or in my case, using a KVM switch to join two computers one running XP, the other Ubuntu.)

I should add a caveat. It probably is still necessary to have beginner skills in the shell (counterpart to Windows Command Line), but these are quickly acquired.

If anyone has read it, I would be interested in hearing your comments. If you are considering buying it, I recommend waiting for the 3rd edition which covers Ver 8 Ubuntu, unless of course you can pick up either the first (ver. 6 Ubuntu) or second editions cheap over the internet.

If anyone has any questions about either the book or Ubuntu, I will be happy to give my perspective.

robert

[Gina]

That's interesting but I can't see mention of a price (or how to order for that matter).

[Oldun]

I got a new copy of Ubuntu for Dummies by Paul G Sery for just over £9 from one of the Amazon Market traders (the book Depository) Which is almost Identical to the Official Ubuntu Book .Both of which contain a live Ubuntu CD inside the back cover.

[Gina]

Those xxxx for Dummies books are good - I have several though not Ubuntu I think I have Linux for Dummies which I bought several years ago when I was playing with Linux (and gave up at that time). The basics of Linux (and Unix) remain the same. Or maybe it was Unix for Dummies :lol Linux is essentially Unix for Intel/AMD PCs anyway.

Anyone interested in books should also look in their local library.

[Odyssey]

It is (was) fairly pricey at $34.95, but can be found for $15 or so

http://www.google.com/products?q=Ubuntu+Linux+for+Non-Geeks&btnG=Search+Products&hl=en&scoring=p

I would not buy the first edition now, but would go for the second or even wait for the third as it is scheduled for June.

Having said that if the first edition showed up on half.com or alibris.com for an attractively low price, it would not be a bad thing to have in the library for a Ver 6 reference.

Cheers,
robert

[Gina]

Yes - although all the info is out there (somewhere) to download I still think it's helpful to have a book (or two) for reference. (I also use my own Ubuntu website for reference too, would you believe :lol - I can't hold everything in my head any more). I did download and print out the BASH scripting guide (about 32 pages I think) but books are easier :) A few years ago I splashed out on "Open Linux - The Complete Reference" published by the Osborne McGraw-Hill book company which I still find useful at times (when I want to get into the nitty-gritty).