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 by Rickford Grant March 2004, 336 pp. ISBN: 978-1-59327-034-6 $34.95 Sorry, no ebook is available for this title. (Why not?)
This book is for any home user who has switched or is thinking of switching to Linux. Based on Red Hat's Fedora Core, Linux For Non-Geeks avoids geeky subjects like server and network setup and concentrates on the subjects of interest to the average home user: installation, the Internet, playing CDs and audio files, desktop customization, games, downloading software and fonts, USB storage devices, printing, and more. Readers with only basic experience with Windows or another Linux distribution will learn how to do everything on their Linux machine that they are used to doing with Windows. A complete installation of Fedora Core is included on two CD-ROMs. About the AuthorRickford Grant has been a computer operating system maniac for over 20 years. From his earliest days with his Atari XL600 to his present Linux machines, he has been the guy at the other end of the computer help line for family, friends and colleagues. When not burning himself out in front of his monitor, or annoying his neighbors with his Nyckelharpa (Swedish keyed fiddle) playing, he spends his working hours as an Associate Professor at Toyama University of International Studies in Japan, where he teaches courses in English Language, Swedish Culture, and English-language-based computing. Rickford Grant's Linux for Non-Geeks website, which contains additional projects, how-to's, errata, and lots of other information about the book is available here. Table of ContentsChapter 1: Becoming a Penguinista—Welcome to the World of Linux Reviews"Grant does an excellent job of accomplishing his goal – introducing Linux to the uninitiated and sharing enough knowledge for someone to effectively use the operating system without becoming a certified expert in it." Book highlighted in article by professor about designing a course in Linux system administration Sample chapter from Linux for Non-Geeks posted "Definitely worth your time... This will teach newbies how to feel confident and comfortable as they explore Linux, and it will open their minds to new possibilities in the workplace, making your Linux deployment a success from the start." "Linux for Non-Geeks is written in a friendly, instructional style and is free of personal anecdotes and bad puns (something technology writers have a bad habit of including). It is easy to read and avoids technical terminology wherever possible. In fact, it would be a challenge to find a book covering Windows with so little geek-speak." "I was very pleased with how the author went through they basic non-technical side of Linux" "A remarkably well-presented book that comes with a 2-CD Fedora installation. If you are a Linux novice, and have a serious intent to learn and use the operating system, this title is highly recommended." "'Linux for Non-Geeks' is the perfect start for virtually anybody wanting to give Linux a try, whether you are a student, business, enthusiast or otherwise." "Linux for Non-Geeks points out the ease of using Linux [...] Very highly recommended." Read the LinuxWorld interview with author Rickford Grant. "A far cry from dumbed down editions of how-to comic book style manuals from other publishers, No Starch Press has adopted a smart series of books for the capable, no nonsense audience; those folks who are not afraid to try new things and who want a clear and (more importantly) practical approach to enhancing their skill set. This book is a stand out in that series. [...] Nicely balanced information for a new Linux user, an on again/off again Linux user or for the switcher." "...a good, solid book." "In a volume begun as a tutorial for his mother, Grant (computing, Toyama U. of International Studies, Japan) introduces Linux to both computer novices and to computer users new to Linux. Appendices include launcher specifications and online resources. The CDs provide a complete working version of Linux based on Red Hat's Fedora Core." "Very highly recommended." "If you want to demonstrate to the least-geekish person you know that they can, indeed, run Linux (instead of another, nameless, product), get them Grant's book [...] it's certainly the best thing I've seen in years for someone who wants to get eased in." "Rickford Grant knows when to take you by the hand and when to let you go on your own. By the time you've finished reading, you'll feel confident with Linux. If that's your aim, then I suggest you get a hold of Linux For Non-Geeks." "The author has done an excellent job of presenting Linux in a friendly fun to read fashion, and never comes off sounding elitist or condescending. A bit of humor injected here and there and the writing style makes it a very easy to read book. Don't think that just because it's easy to read, it isn't jam packed with useful information, because it is. [...] If I could recommend only one book for those thinking about running Linux, this would be the book. It answers many of the "newbie" questions you see on a regular basis in any Linux forum. For only being 308 pages the author has done a fine job of introducing Linux to anyone wanting to learn. I only wish it had been written when I started using Linux !" "Linux for Non-Geeks is a fantastic guidebook to Linux for folks who are making the switch." "Linux for Non-Geeks is a bargain way to get the Linux operating system running on one's Windows PC...Author Rickford Grant, an impressive explainer, delivers well-written and clear guidance about using the included CD to set up a Windows PC to also boot into the Linux flavor of Fedora." "...a practical guide for anyone wanting to get started with Linux, without knowing how to go about doing it. Hats off to the author for making his first book a success in explaining the topic in a focused and understandable way, with humor and style." *THE best book for Fedora Newbies* "I recently began playing with Fedora Core1on my spare PC. As most newcomers to Linux can probably attest, browser plug-ins can be a pain if (like myself) you don't have a clue. Fortunately, I found a copy of Linux for Non-Geeks by Rickford Grant to assist me in this and other tasks." "First of all, God Bless Rickford Grant and Linux for Non-Geeks (No Starch Press) for easing me into the absolute basics of browser plug-in installs, the latest place to find Fedora RPM's, how to install Apt-for-RPM and Synaptic, a RealOne player for Fedora, and other things that make me start to feel like a real Linux user!" "Whatever your Linux interests and needs, Linux for Non-Geeks is a superb introduction that sings the benefits and good sense of the worlds of Linux world, and then clearly explains how you can become a "Penguinista" (a Linux-user) and join the fun." "Admit it, you're alternately fascinated and intimidated by Linux. Sure, you'd like to join the open-source revolution and all that, but aren't those non-Windows operating systems just for eggheads? Of course not, and the good folks at No Starch Press are willing to show you why it's all very non-threatening. Their new Linux for Non-Geeks ($35), available at nostarch.com, has the full skinny on all the Linux basics: how to browse the Web, burn CDs, and do all those other modest tasks you've enjoyed as a Windows user. Lest you think the price is a bit steep, the book comes packaged with the ultimate teaching aid-a two-CD version of Fedora Linux." *7 out of 10 brains* |
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