Test Driving Linux: From Window to Linux in 60 Seconds [With CDROM]

by David Brickner

For years, computer users have put up with the bugs, security holes, and viruses on Windows because they had no choice. Until recently, there has never been a good alternative to Windows. But now,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 059600754X
• ISBN13: 9780596007546
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media
• Length: 341 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A great introductory Linux book

Of the books targeted at people who want to give Linux a try, I believe this is the best. It allows you to run Linux on your computer without having to install it and exposes you to many of the basics. (Note: it will not work equally well on all computers. I would say it has a high likelihood of success with a desktop PC and a low likelihood of success with a laptop. The reason is that the hardware used on laptops is more "specialized" in many respects than that used in desktop computers.) Unlike many other computer books aimed at a "beginner" audience, Test Driving Linux does not start out almost "too easy" and then quickly turn so complex that the person becomes confused or discouraged. If you are thinking of "trying out Linux," I doubt that you could make a better choice than this book.

A great book to explore Linux

Although I am familiar with Linux and have been using it for years ago, I found this book to be of a great resource to add to my bookshelf. I discovered a lot about using Linux as a desktop operating system. The book covers essential topics for a fresh Linux user like disabling pop-ups in Konqueror, reaching your Windows files, burning CDs, watching DVDs, playing games, retrieving e-mails, instant messaging, manipulating images, changing the desktop look & feel, word processing (MS Word compatible), managing your finances, and a lot more. What I liked most in this book is the dedicated chapter that deals with multimedia stuff, I like being able to rip and encode music files with the Ogg Vorbis sound format, the open-source alternative which is recognized to provide a smaller, better quality than MP3 files. The book includes a CD copy of Mandriva Move that will turn your machine into a ready-to-use, damage-free Linux operating system without requiring you to install anything or to partition your hard drive. That bootable Live-CD holds a great deal of high quality open-source desktop programs that you won't find on a default Windows installation. The bottom line: If you enjoy using Windows, yet are willing to safely try Linux on your desktop, this book won't disappoint you.

Great to get you started and great to keep you going with tips

This books comes with a bootable CD. It didn't work on an old desktop system but it did work on my laptop. I was instantly in a Mandrake-like Linux environment. This book is well written. It uses plain English so you don't have to be a geek to understand it. It's ideal for all levels of audiences. I'd buy another book by this author. He's good. The coverage of this book is very thorough. It covers all the Linux applications the typical casual desktop user would use. If I were to nitpick I'd ask for more detail on configuring the network connection and the internet connection which is covered in the troubleshooting chapter. I recommend this book to anyone who is considering Linux. I also recommend this book to any novice to Linux. You don't have to already be computer savvy. I will continue to use this book even after I've installed a different version of Linux. It has many useful tips. If you are on the fence about Linux, this book will make you a convert.

Test Driving Linux

I found this to be a gentle introduction to the world of Linux. The author has done a decent job in presenting an overview of Linux (which is easier said than done, since there is such a tremendous amount that could be covered). There is a copy of Linux on an included CD that allows Linux to be run from the CD without writing any data to one's hard drive. However, files can be saved onto a USB drive (not included). This book can be a good first stepping stone into the world of Linux without the worry about potentially corrupting one's hard drive due to installation issues. The author has clearly defined many terms. The index is reasonably complete. I recommend this book to anybody wanting to delve into the world of Linux without having to worry about installation issues.

To Linux or Not to Linux, that is the ....

The author David Brickner has it right. Linux is ready for prime time and users want to know what can be done with it and how to use it without committing the software to their computer. Covering the KDE desktop environment, bridging the void between the paperweight known as a computer and the delicious treats of the operating system known as Linux, the author strikes an excellent balance between users who just want to use their computer and those that 'always' use their computers. The focus on the KDE desktop is perfect for the first time user of Linux and probably even their first computer, without talking down to the reader. All of the major functions of the most popular desktop applications for KDE (the desktop environment) and personal / small office productivity is covered in practical yet easy to understand language that anyone can follow. He navigates beyond the initial presentation and use screens into the configurations and setups without getting lost or bored. With this book and the enclosed software, or any KDE desktop environment, the reader should not be lost or lacking for things to do with their computer. The ease of use of the KDE desktop it amply demonstrated. The power of Linux is left for future investigation by other authors. I like the pace. I like the content. I like the navigational photographs. I like the style. If the included software would have loaded on my old Dell laptop without a video issue this could have been a home run. I'm sure it would load on most laptops without a problem. However, this forced using it on my desktop PC which I might add, with no problems. Since the included software is almost integral to test driving Linux, I have to demerit from what would have been a perfect score. Anyone wishing to test drive Linux and the graphical desktop environment known as KDE, this book is the way to go, with David Brickner as a tour guide, IMHO. I give it 4.7 out of 5 Tux bow-ties.