Book Review: Ubuntu Linux For Non-Geeks

Linux, any flavor of it, has always been a tough nut to crack for home users. Though, originally a "console" based operating system, Linux evolved into a GUI (Graphical User Interface) based system. This eased off things a bit, but in the end, the home user base has always been wary of it.

That was until Ubuntu came.

Ubuntu unleashed a new wave, nothing less. Right from the installation, Ubuntu kept its promise of simplicity, throughout all its versions. The smooth installation, ease of use and simplicity have been just some of the traits of this beautiful, "Free", Operating System.

Now, an OS like Ubuntu, needs a guidebook like Ubuntu. "Ubuntu Linux For Non-Geeks" by Rickford Grant, is just what the doctor ordered. A Pain-Free, Project-Based, Get-Things-Done Guidebook.

It starts off with the "Ifs & Buts", and goes on to the "Whats & Whens". It's aimed at relieving the first time user's initial nervousness. Often people like to pick up a book before they pick up the software. The first chapter gets you ready for what lies ahead. It starts from the very basics that exist before you are ready to install a new OS. Why should you use Linux? Why Ubuntu? Are you ready for it? Turns out, more often than not, you will be!

After the installation is done with, the author introduces you to the Desktop of the brand new OS. One of the things about Linux is that it always has been highly customisable. Ubuntu carries forward this legacy and the book tells you how to customise your desktop — by adding, manipulating menus, running applications etc.

Connecting to the Internet comes next, as that is what concerns most of the home users. Setting up the network hardware, configuring the network, connecting to the internet, configuring your POP3 email, in that order. In fact, I think, this book is very true to its title. The author has gone into the mind of the home user and has been successful at that. This is not a book for the geeks and the programmers. A typical home user will not have to skip chapters here, and for the author, that's an achievement. You get what you want, as if, the author has known it all along. Now, when was the last time you read a PC book like that?

The chapters ahead take you through navigating the file system with Nautilus, the GNOMEs file manager. The book also lays importance on customizing the look and feel of the system. Any version of Linux has always scored heavily on this aspect over the other operating systems. This is little known, but users tend to spend a lot of time tweaking the looks of their desktop environment. This book devotes a full chapter to it. What's more, it even takes you through a project where you end up with your systems GUI looking similar to the Mac OS!

The Linux Terminal, the most powerful Linux tool ever, finds its place very late in the book. In my opinion, there could be no better evidence of the "non-Geekiness" of this book. Truth is, home users despise it. Basic commands are explained and the author takes a "fun" approach with this topic, just like the rest of the book.

The book then takes you through the rich world of multimedia, explaining how you could play songs, watch DVDs, update your iPod and edit photographs with Ubuntu. It doesn't compromise on this aspect too. It explains, teaches with patience, getting into the details as required.

This book doesn't betray the reader. It is a step-by-step guide and there could be no better approach to the Ubuntu Operating System. The fairly well explained points are coupled with plenty of screenshots from the system (Almost every page has a picture!).

The only reason this book fails to get full points is because it assumes that things always go right for the user. There is no "Troubleshooting" per se. If the reader is stuck somewhere, it's unlikely that this book could come to the rescue.

As the title suggests, this book is not intended for technical people. Right from page one, it aims the typical home user who loves to browse the internet, listen to music, send emails and doesn't know what GCC is.

Overall, The Ubtuntu community needed a book like this. If you already have joined the Ubuntu movement, this book still has something for you. If you are one of those who is thinking about joining this incredible community, this book, with the Ubuntu CD that ships with it, will be all that you will ever need.

My verdict? I love this book. But a troubleshooting section might have come in handy. I give it 4 out of 5.