Linux for Dummies [With CDROM]

I know, I know! I should have at least tried Linux by now. But I hadn't. Then I found this book. Among all of the books on Linux at the book store, this one said, here's seven different distributions of Linux that you can install. Furthermore, in Chapter 4 it had 35 pages describing the different distributions. Why, for instance, would I want to install Xandros, Mandriva or SuSE instead of the Fedora (Red Hat) core. (Although I did find it a little strange that Debian wasn't discussed. But with 300+ distributions to choose from you have to cut it off somewhere.) Although this is a 'For Dummies' book, it isn't for the complete 'Dummy.' You should have some idea about setting your BIOS to boot from DVD, some idea about what particians are (or use an old PC and dedicate it to Linux - recommended) and so on. Finally this book is primarily concerned with the operating system itself. Linux comes with tons of applications programs. If you want to learn about Open Office or other packages, that's a different book. But in learning about the operating system, not bad at all.

Once you've made the decision to give Linux a try, you face a tough second decision... which distribution do I use? To help you out, you should get a copy of Dee-Ann LeBlanc's Linux For Dummies (6th Edition). There's some good information in there to help you choose... Chapter List: Part 1 - Getting Your Feet Wet: Getting Acquainted With Linux; Prepping Your Computer for Linux; Installing Fedora Core; Installing Other Linux Distributions; Booting and Stopping Linux; Checking Out Those Desktops; Configuring Linux Part 2 - Internet Now!: Connecting to the Internet; Using the Internet Part 3 - Getting Up to Speed with Linux: Manipulating Files and Directories; Checking Out the Linux Filesystem; Adding Software to Linux; A Secure Linux Box Is a Happy Linux Box; Working without the GUI; Gettin' Gooey with the GUIs Part 4 - Getting Things Done: Putting the X in Text; Word-Processing and More with OpenOffice.org; Multimedia Wow!; Windows-Only Media Formats and Programs Part 5 - The Part of Tens: Ten Troubleshooting Tips; Ten Cool Uses for Knoppix Part 6 - Appendixes: Common Linux Commands; About the DVD-ROM There are obviously a large number of books you can buy that deal with Linux. But before you get too far down the road, you need to figure out which distribution is right for you. The main thing I really like about Dee-Ann's book is that she relates the basics of Linux back to the top six distributions: Fedora Core, SuSE, Knoppix, Linspire, Xandros, and Mandrake. So if you're learning about how the Linux file system works and can be navigated, you'll see that done in all six Linux flavors. Want to know how to install Linux? Once again, you see instructions and tips on all six. Most Linux books pick a single distribution and focus exclusively on that. While that's not bad at all, it may mean that you choose a type of Linux that may not be the best choice given your situation. This book can help you understand the fundamentals before making that commitment. There's even a DVD included that contains the install files for Fedora Core 3, Knoppix 3.6, Linspire 4.5, Mandrake 10.1, SuSE 9.2, and Xandros 2.5. You don't even have to go searching for the latest ISO downloads! You've got it all right here. Like all Dummies titles, this is written in a very conversational, non-threatening way. It's a perfect "first step" for anyone wanting to join the Linux movement but isn't quite sure where to start. Once you've gone through the book, picked a distribution, and installed it, you'll be ready to push on and start learning even more about Linux. But at least by then, you'll have narrowed down your choice of books based on the distribution you chose. Good book, and definitely recommended for people looking to get started...

I was reluctant to switch to Linux because I thought that it was only for professional computer users. Gradually by getting more and more information, I choose to migrate totally to Linux...No more Windows operating system ! The most scariest part is undoubtly the command line but Linux for Dummies really helped me to get familiar with the basics and now I can administrate my computer directly with the command line, whithout using the GUI. Very good job !! I don t use the distro described in the Book since I am a Mandrake user and the main developments are focused on FEDORA core of Red Hat. But the two GUI are well described. A very usefull book to get started with LINUX.

This new edition of Linux for Dummies, written by Linux guru Dee Ann LeBlanc is well worth the price. It's packed with the latest information and expertly written in a style that is accessible to computer users of all ability levels. A must have for every Linux user!

I bought RedHat Linux 5.2 from Fry ($40). I installed and followed the installation guild. (Well, I spend 20 hours how to get on the internet, but none avail. The author just said couple of words about go to control panel and you are ready to surf the net. I'm really glad that I bought maddog Hall Linux for Dummies. 30 minutes to install 30 minutes to config and you are ready to go surfing. I really really greatful to the author. Step 1 is installation. Once installation successful, one can figure out things with time. Especially, internet hook up. There are ton of people unable to surf or PPP with linux. Linux for Dummies by Maddog is for you. MUST BUY. (I wasted $40 by buying directly from the linux box... Just buy this book instead...only $20 very inexpensive...I spend total of $40 + $20) to surf net with linux...buy this book...very good for innstallation.... I like to return my thanks to some people on the net for referring me to this book...thanks..