Netbooks are the hot new thing in PCs -- small, inexpensive laptops designed for web browsing, email, and working with web-based programs. But chances are you don't know how to choose a netbook, let alone use one. Not to worry: with this Missing Manual, you'll learn which netbook is right for you and how to set it up and use it for everything from spreadsheets for work to hobbies like gaming and photo sharing. Netbooks: The Missing Manual provides easy-to-follow instructions and lots of advice to help you:

• Learn the basics for using a Windows- or Linux-based netbook

• Connect speakers, printers, keyboards, external hard drives, and other hardware

• Get online using a wireless network, a public network, broadband cards, or dial-up

• Write email, browse the Web, transfer bookmarks, and add tools to your web browser

• Use business tools like Google Docs and Office for Netbooks

• Collaborate with others online via instant messaging

• Edit and share photos, play games, listen to music, and watch TV and movies online

You'll also learn about web-based backup and storage, staying secure online -- especially when using wireless networks -- and tips for troubleshooting. Netbooks point to the future of computing, and Netbooks: The Missing Manual will show you how to get there.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 3 Ratings

Great for Ubuntu, too simplistic for Windows users - 2009-12-25
Reviewer Rating:
Netbooks the missing manual

Netbooks are the bright spot in the world of personal computers. More powerful than a mobile phone, but without the bulk nor the power of a laptop, netbooks represent the "just right" mix of features, portability and price.

The earliest netbooks came with various versions of Unix which made them downright scary to non-technical users. Then after some negotiations with Microsoft, a majority of netbooks now have Windows XP. Netbook owners running Windows XP will find little value in this book. The book assumes no background with Windows and walks the reader through the very basics of setup and usage such as configuring email or an Internet connection. What is missing for Windows netbook owners is general tips and tricks specific to the unique characteristics of netbooks. Biersdorfer briefly covers some ideas for backup and synchronization, but doesn't go in enough depth to really be useful and worth the price of admission.

In contrast, Biersdorfer's coverage of Ubuntu is invaluable for owners of netbooks that come with Ubuntu, such as the Dell Mini. I know when I first encountered a Mini with Ubuntu I was completely lost. While Ubuntu is intuitive, it takes some getting used to. Ubuntu doesn't come with a manual and Dell tech support as of this writing won't answer Ubnutu questions. Coverage of printer and email setup is something of value to Unix based netbook owners. All this stuff is out on the Internet, but this book is designed for the non-technical end user. The author's coverage is excellent and comprehensive.

If you have a Windows-based netbook, take a pass on this book as a majority of the explanations apply to any Windows based computer. However, if you have a Ubuntu based netbook, you'll find this book an invaluable resource to translate your Windows knowledge into the Ubuntu world.

Pros: Excellent coverage of Ubuntu for netbooks
Cons: Few netbook specific tips and tricks for Windows users

Great Netbook Handbook - 2009-11-01
Reviewer Rating:
Netbooks are different than desktop pc's. This book is a fine reference to have. Its simplely written, straight forward and easy to follow. Its a show and tell of the uses, capacities and functions of the netbook. Very usefull to the novice.

Pretty basic Netbooks - 2009-11-01
Reviewer Rating:
I'm not much of a techie but this book was pretty basic even for me.
The tips I did try, like "video chat on Yahoo", didn't work at all.

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