Ubuntu 8.04 has been hailed as the Linux distribution for newbies, and it's certainly the Linux for the less geeky among us. Even the name is user friendly-it's a South African term that translates roughly as "humanity toward others" and could also describe author Rickford Grant's approach to teaching Linux.

Full of tips, tricks, and helpful pointers, Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 3rd Edition is a hands-on, project-based guide to Ubuntu 8.04 for those interested in-but nervous about-switching to the Linux operating system. This edition has been updated for Hardy Heron, the latest Ubuntu release (8.04), with its improved multimedia support and desktop effects. Step-by-step projects build upon earlier tutorial concepts, helping you absorb and apply what you've learned.

Ubuntu for Non-Geeks covers those day-to-day tasks that most non-geeks will want to perform, like how to:

Download and install free software, games, and utilities
Connect to wired and wireless networks or transfer files via Bluetooth
Configure printers, scanners, monitors, and USB flash drives
Watch DVDs, listen to music, and even sync your iPod
Edit and share your digital photos and videos
Customize the look and feel of your system
Tackle more advanced tasks like working with commands and using Windows applications

Whether you're new to computers, looking for a pain-free way to make the Linux switch, or just want a low-cost alternative to Windows, Ubuntu 8.04 is easier than ever. Try it and you'll see.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 6 reviews)

Remarkable and Outstanding

After readying this marvelous book, I found that Linux and Ubuntu is for everyone. Linux should not be a problem, if one follows this book and reads it cover to cover. This is a well written book that everyone should have, even for future reference. It goes into detail explaining every single topic regarding the Linux Ubuntu Desktop Edition 8.04 (Hardy Heron) and it does it in a concise and easy matter. I sincerely recommend it to everyone who wants to get into the Linux world, without reading nonsense technicalities that does not amount to anything.

November 12, 2008

Really good book to get you into linux

I was very uncomfortable with the idea of using linux but I wanted to try something new and this book really eases you into the process of learning to use linux without being overwhelming. It explains everything in easy to understand 'non-geek' language and is a good starting point if you want to learn more about linux and are a traditional windows user. After reading this book, I purchased many ubuntu and other linux distro books to help me understand linux more but I do not think I would have understood them that well if I had not read this book first. I would highly recommend it to "newbies".
September 12, 2008

Book buy.

Item was in great shape (infact it was new). Very fast delivery.
Would purchase from them again.
August 24, 2008

Good for non-geeks, but...

I wrote my original review for a discussion forum at:
http://www.certforums.co.uk/forums/thread26912.html

Not too long ago, I reviewed The Official Ubuntu Book, Third Edition published by Prentice Hall (July 13, 2008). The thing about reviewing a later edition of an already successful book, is that you need to make sure it updates to the current version of whatever it's describing, which in this case is Ubuntu 8.04, the Hardy Heron. I dinged the Benjamin Mako Hill, et al. book, primarily because it didn't address readers who were already dedicated Ubuntu users and who needed to know the ins and outs of upgrading vs. doing a clean install. I've since learned (and it wasn't addressed in the Prentice Hall book) that there actually is a direct upgrade patch from 6.06 to 8.04 (and this information was a little hard to come by). I needed that information, because performing that upgrade was the task I needed to perform. Rickford Grant's third edition book arrived at my home yesterday. How will this book appeal to the complete Ubuntu newbie vs. the experienced "non-geek" with upgrade needs?

Bottom line for "upgrade" people is that Grant dropped the ball as far as continuing to address his earlier readers who want to learn how to turn our "aging" Ubuntus into brand new Hardy Herons. I highly recommend picking up this text if you've never used Ubuntu before and have a burning need to learn how Ubuntu 8.04 will benefit you on the desktop (and it really will). For those of us with a few years of Ubuntu under our belts and who want to upgrade what we've already got, I guess http://ubuntuforums.org is the best place for us to get clued in.
August 04, 2008

great book

It is nice to be able to look up the problems you come up against in a new OS. This book is well done and has been very useful for my conversion to Linux. It even came with a Hardy CD.
July 23, 2008

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