Product: 0470411546

Having already had an eeePc for eight months when I got this book, I thought I knew most of what I needed to know about my small machine, but I was wrong. This book is really useful, both for new owners and old.
First of all, it is clearly set out and easy to follow. It starts out with comparisons of all the models available (up to publication), and goes on to explain the basic steps a first time user needs to take. (If you are familiar with computers you could skip this part - although, as it introduces you to Xandros which is probably not familiar to many PC users, it is worth reading). It concentrates on Xandros, the Linux system preinstalled on many eee’s, without ignoring XP versions. Most people are quite familiar with Windows so the balance is well considered and there are plenty of other books about XP.
Further chapters deal with connecting to and using the Internet, using Open Office and making best use of all the preinstalled programs and games. One feature I particularly like is the information boxes. For example ‘Where’s the Button?’ explains how to move a window extending off the screen - something I found out originally only after searching on the Internet.
Another very useful chapter is about installing software, which can be a minefield for new users.
As well as this, there is information on hardware and accessories and then some Advanced Topics which I found to be one of the most useful parts of the book. This section deals with backing up and restoring your eeePC and Command-Line Linux among other things.
The final chapter, called Part of Tens, is also extremely useful, dealing as it does with common problems users have run into, providing solutions and recommending places where online help is available, including the excellent eeeuser forum.
The writer obviously knows his eeePC inside out and is able to present his information very practically.
All in all, I thoroughly recommend this book, both to read through and to have permanently beside your eeePC where you can dip into it any time you have a problem or just want to expand your skills.
Rating: 5
0470411546
Count: 5