The KDE and Gnome desktops have developed into mature operating environments. These technologies not only act as interfaces between the user, the powerful Linux kernel and GNU operating system, but they do so in a fun and intuitive way. Many users are content with the tools and facilities included with these desktops, but--for those who are ready to probe a little deeper--much more functionality can be found by going under the hood. With hacks that any user can follow, Linux Desktop Hacks demonstrates how easy it is to modify Linux to suit your desires. The book is packed with tips on customizing and improving the interface, boosting performance, administering your desktop, and generally making the most out of what X, KDE, Gnome, and the console have to offer. From the practical to the whimsical, and some things you never thought of trying, the hacks in the book include the following, and more:

• Kill and Resurrect the Master Boot Record

• Jazz Up Your Debian System Boot

• Energize Your Console with Macro Music Magic

• Konquer Remote Systems Without Passwords

• Run KDE on the Bleeding Edge

• View Microsoft Word Documents in a Terminal

• Read Yahoo! Mail from Any Email Client

• Motion Capture and Video Conferencing Fun

• Automate Your Life with cron

• Protect Yourself from Windows Applications

• Make an Internet Connection Using Bluetooth and a Mobile Phone

• Print to Unsupported Printers

• Accelerate Your Gaming

If you're yearning for information to make the Linux desktop easier, more powerful, and more fun, Linux Desktop Hacks is just the ticket.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 13 Ratings

A "must have" book if you use Linux or are moving to Linux - 2006-03-16
Reviewer Rating:
First, I write software professionally. I write software, I am not a Sys Admin (which is hard work I might add; System Administration is for hardcore people.) This book saved me money by giving me answers to problems that would have taken me days to find the answers to by searching the internet.

Hack #30 How to setup up VNC
Virtual terminals are great. I use them to cut out using an expensive and wires of a KVM switch. I can get to my servers from anywhere in the house or securly across the Internet (with the right passwords as this books shows.)
I can fix my wife's computer problems without having to go to her desk. I can run my Windows apps on a Windows machine, but control that from my Linux terminals.

Or vice-a-versa, it is much easier to use a Windows laptop while sitting on the couch sipping a Martini then having to sit in a dark cold server closet trying to fix a problem with a server.

It took me 3 days to search and read about VNC on the net. Then trying to find an example on a web page that worked and was edited properly. This book gave me the answers I needed in 5 pages of well written text.

A simple enough hack but time is money in this business and this book save both time and money.

Also the book is a "good" read. The authors write well and that keeps you reading. Not a dry manual.

If you are doing Linux for fun or work you need will need to buy this book. It allows you more time to sleep at night.

Linux Desktop Hacks, Tips & Tools for Customizing and Optimi - 2005-07-12
Reviewer Rating:
This is one of the books that I would put in the "very useful" cookbook-type category. There are a plethora of useful tidbits of information conveniently collected into one book. Subjects covered range from: booting issues, log-in managers, desktops, administration and automation issues, to kernel issues, and hardware. You won't necessarily implement all of the tips contained in the book, but even if you use a fraction of them, you should find the book to be worth while. I found the book to be quite educational.

Having fun with your OS! - 2005-09-17
Reviewer Rating:
Linux Desktop Hacks: Tips & Tools for customizing your OS
By Nicholas Petreley and Jono Bacon
O'Reilly Press
ISBN 0596009119

Reviewed by Steven Mullins HuNTUG member

Having loads of fun with your OS!
One of the lures of Microsoft is that it's very simple. One of the reasons we choose to run Linux is the fact that it gets rid of all the extras that we have no real use for.
I have just entered into the arena of Linux and have needed a lot of help on how to get more out of my old 450 in the corner. The keys for me were things like terminal transparency, using things like Macromedia Flash in the environment and how to start applications automatically.
This book has made my life with Linux a lot easier.

The linux desktop hacks gets 4 they could have done some more for that one.

WAS GREAT, now OUT OF DATE - 2008-06-17
Reviewer Rating:
This WAS a great book. But unless you are using a Linux distro that is 4 years old...this book is worthless to you.

And if you are into Linux, you are NOT about having a 4 year old distro!!! lol

OREILLY needs to update this. It is hard though because Linux distros can change or be completely overhauled within 6 months.

A true gem for novice and advanced user - 2006-05-05
Reviewer Rating:
Oh I just love this book. I buy a lot of technical books and find about 1 out of 5 are books I use alot. This is one of them. pretty up to data and covers gnome and KDE though most of the Hacks are not window manager specific -- Hell some of the funnest stuff is done from the command line. Full of great stuff for getting you system running the way you want.

It's not just limited the desktop but gives good info on the boot manager etc. I've been doing linux since '99.

There are 100 quality hacks in the book - I find more than 80%interesting and I'll probably use half of them over the next few months. Just finding:
kstart --fullscreen program_name"
to start a program in full-screen kiosk mode under KDE was news to me. Also includes other things you need to know like painless ways.

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