Buy the book first then install Ubuntu!
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This book is great; it really helps with understanding Ubuntu. I wish I would have read it first before I installed Ubuntu as it really helps with advice on partition size etc.
Using this book and the Ubuntu forums will really help you to overcome any problems you may have.
I must say I am really enjoying Ubuntu; it is really great to delve into a system and get your head under the bonnet! It reminds me of the good old days of DOS and Windows 3.1 except this is alot more powerful.
My only slight criticism is that some of that chapters cover things that most of us find inituitive such as word processing packages. However I appreciate there is a need for these as they are a part of the Ubuntu OS. However for me there is more than enough in there that details other elements such as Bash, Gnome, security, etc.
Ubuntu is free; why not support it by buying a book?
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From novice to not-quite-professional...
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This is a great book for home users of Windows who are thinking about and have already made the jump over to Ubuntu: the book works well both as an overview of Ubuntu for those with no experience of it, and as a manual for those sat in front of a machine wanting to know how to play with it.
About dial-up modems, Kier Thomas does touch upon why WinModems don't work and also says that you can pick up an external modem for not-a-lot. So yes, you need to put your hand in your pocket to get a dial-up Internet connection or fax going. However, since updates and additional software are all available from Ubuntu's online repositories then I wouldn't recommend running a Ubuntu machine without broadband.
All in all a good, user-friendly book which is easy to follow. Personally I was hoping for a bit more in-depth instruction on using the command line, hence the 4/5.
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Beginning Ubuntu Linux - Kier Thomas
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Having heard a lot about Linux open source software, I did a bit of investigating and discovered Ubuntu (Linux for human beings)!
I thought I'll do a bit of reading before taking the plunge. Just as well.
I bought the above book which struck me as being an excellent guide for the novice, as it answered some questions that I had from "The Ubuntu Linux Bible - William Von Hagen".
Both books are very good in their own way. I would suggest the novice buys Kier Thomas but if you want real detail and advanced expertise, go for the"Bible".
What neither makes clear however is the following:-
"Dialup Modems - Most dialup modems are not supported by Ubuntu,....."
[..]
The above quote is from the official Ubuntu site. So don't be taken in by the euphoric descriptions given by Ubuntu users. Ubuntu is Linux for human beings on broad band connections! Not Mr Thomas's fault but it is passed over in both books.
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Swapping over to Ubuntu Linux
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Despite several attempts in past years to get on the Linux Bus. I had failed.
The book follows a logical order, and gave me the information that I could not seem to understand from other Unix books and Linux magazine articles.
If you want to give Ubuntu a try, this book holds your hand all the way.
At last a foothold to make the jump. I have a machine up and running and will not be switching it off. I also have the knowledge to keep it running and understand enough to help myself.
The best computer book I have bought, clear, easy and useful as a reference.
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Very good book in right context
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I am a new user to the ubuntu community, when I bought this book I was looking for a book that went into the structure of the operating systems etc. This book is very good if you need a book that shows you how to do things with the ubuntu OS, install drivers, Office etc. So if you need help with installing bits and pieces using ubuntu, this is a great book. If you are looking for something more technical I would suggest trying a different book.
Overall a good book with some very useful tips for both a novice and professional.
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