Product: 159327257X

Though I don’t think I qualify completely as a non-geek, I found this title both informative and enjoyable. Though pretty adept and comfortable in my Windows existence, I have long wanted to dabble around in Linux. I have heard of Ubuntu, but never had done anything with it until coming across Grant’s title. I was pleasantly surprised by both the book and the installation CD included.

Grant writes with a friendly, conversational style; including periodic tongue-in-cheek comments which I like. I enjoy learning from people that I feel like could be a friend if I met them in person. This book accomplishes it’s goal of introduction a good desktop alternative to Windows in a way that doesn’t require you to delve too deep in the world of geek. Notes and instructions are written from the perspectives of both Windows and Mac users, so whatever camp you come from you are covered.

Perhaps what I enjoyed most about this book was it being neither a reference manual or novel. You can read it cover to cover without touching the installation disc (though really not recommended - getting your hands dirty is the best way to learn in my opinion) or use it as a step-by-step guide as you go through the process. There are sufficient screen shots, though not too many, that you can figure it out as you read, or pull up to your computer and work through the process.

I highly recommend this as an introductory title to any average user. If you are a complete computer dunce (admit it if you are) you will still have a few things to figure out along the way, but anyone that can power up and run your average gamut of programs in Windows can pull this off.
Rating: 5
159327257X
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