Beginning Ubuntu Linux, the award–winning and best–selling Ubuntu book for beginners, is now in its third edition, presenting readers with an up–to–the–minute introduction to the world of Linux and the open source community. A detailed overview of Ubuntu’s installation and configuration process encourages you to take the plunge and switch to Linux, and from there you’ll learn how to wield total control over your newly installed operating system. Guided through the most commonly desired tasks such as printer configuration, listening to audio CDs and MP3s, watching movies, performing office and Internet–related tasks, as well as general system maintenance matters, authors Keir Thomas and Jaime Sicam will soon have you using and enjoying Ubuntu Linux and never looking back.
You’ll also find a series of comprehensive tutorials on Linux internals and the command–line prompt—essential for any Linux user—along with special sections on optimization, security, and system maintenance that will broaden your knowledge to professional level.
The complete Ubuntu Linux distribution is included free on the DVD inside the book. Simply insert the DVD and follow the instructions in the book to install Ubuntu Linux!
The ultimate guide to Ubuntu, the hottest Linux distribution on the planet Avoids introductions to esoteric Linux topics that are commonly found in other books and focuses on everyday tasks for everyday printer and file sharing configuration, office document management, listening to MP3s, watching movies, and much more Includes a DVD containing not only the complete Ubuntu version, but also versions of Ubuntu’s sister projects, including Edubuntu, Kubuntu, and Xubuntu What you’ll learn Use Ubuntu as a daily desktop replacement. Complete all manner of office tasks, such as creating Microsoft Office–compatible documents and spreadsheets, using e–mail, and managing contacts. Listen to MP3s and CDs, and watch movies using user–friendly Linux desktop applications. Configure Ubuntu’s printer– and file–sharing features to share resources seamlessly with other computers on your network. Become a proficient user of the Linux command line. Who this book is forBeginning Linux users seeking to explore the popular Ubuntu distribution
Granted I read an outdated version of this book, I found much of its information to be general enough to apply to even the latest version of Ubuntu. As an Ubuntu newbie, I appreciated both this book's easy-to-understand language that left few concepts undefined and its relative comprehensiveness. Although I wouldn't say this book took me "From Novice to Professional," as its subtitle promises, I would say that I feel fairly grounded in the basics concepts of Ubuntu (and GNU/Linux in general) and am prepared to move on to more specialized books and guides.
I found this far too remedial for my purposes. This is focused on the computer illiterate, which is probably a small segment of users installing and using Linux. I found "Ubuntu for Non-Geeks: A Pain-Free, Get-Things-Done Guide" by Rickford Grant and Phil Bull to have more useful information that goes beyond simply installing and turning on the computer.
This is good if you are considering moving from Windows to Linux. It gives a good overview of all the aspects to consider and serves as a good introduction to the whole concept. You can get a feel for what it will be like if you make the switch.