"A fast, crystal-clear topical tour of the amazing collective accomplishment embodied in Ubuntu." -Cory Doctorow, Boing Boing

Ubuntu 8.04 has been hailed as the Linux distribution for newbies, and it's certainly the Linux for the less geeky among us. Even the name is user friendly-it's a South African term that translates roughly as "humanity toward others" and could also describe author Rickford Grant's approach to teaching Linux.

Full of tips, tricks, and helpful pointers, Ubuntu for Non-Geeks, 3rd Edition is a hands-on, project-based guide to Ubuntu 8.04 for those interested in-but nervous about-switching to the Linux operating system. This edition has been updated for Hardy Heron, the latest Ubuntu release (8.04), with its improved multimedia support and desktop effects. Step-by-step projects build upon earlier tutorial concepts, helping you absorb and apply what you've learned.

Ubuntu for Non-Geeks covers those day-to-day tasks that most non-geeks will want to perform, like how to:

• Download and install free software, games, and utilities

• Connect to wired and wireless networks or transfer files via Bluetooth

• Configure printers, scanners, monitors, and USB flash drives

• Watch DVDs, listen to music, and even sync your iPod

• Edit and share your digital photos and videos

• Customize the look and feel of your system

• Tackle more advanced tasks like working with commands and using Windows applications

Whether you're new to computers, looking for a pain-free way to make the Linux switch, or just want a low-cost alternative to Windows, Ubuntu 8.04 is easier than ever. Try it and you'll see.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 15 Ratings

Great for beginners - 2009-07-13
Reviewer Rating:
I became interested in ubuntu after hearing about it from some of my friends working tech support. While I am not exactly a "non geek" I am totally clueless as to the world of Linux, and was always a little afraid of it because of the whole idea of doing everything thru a command line, which I have not done regularly since the DOS days and Windows 3.11 (my first desktop computer). While I found Ubuntu's forums helpful for specific problems, slogging thru them for the sake of general education was a bit too time consuming for me, so I started looking at and buying books on basic Ubuntu. I currently own Keir Thomas' Beginning Ubuntu Linux, Ubuntu Hacks, and this book, the Third edition of Ubuntu for Non-Geeks. While Keir Thomas' Beginning book is in depth and covers a bit more in the way of troubleshooting each step, it's kind of clinical and reads like a text book. For Non-Geeks on the other hand, seems a bit more of a basic approach, has some very good step by step projects to get you comfortable doing each of the different tasks along the way. After getting a little ways into both books I found myself thinking that even my parents could run Linux with Ubuntu for Non-Geeks in their hands. It really is directed at the average "i just turn the computer on and go to the internet" user. I'm sure there are still some people out there who would struggle, but I enjoy the authors attempt to make the reader less nervous about each step, and including some "hey now that you know how to do this lets have some fun with it" projects. If you are looking for more of an authoritative source approach that is still somewhat basic, go with the Keir Thomas book, but if you want to be talked thru it the way that really nice patient tech support guy would, this is the book for you.

Perfect book to get started with Ubuntu - 2009-05-01
Reviewer Rating:
If you are new to Ubuntu this is the perfect resource for you. It has an enclosed CD that you can install Ubuntu from or to just try it without installing anything or changing your base system.

Everything you need to know is explained in a simple and easy to understand manner.

Ubuntu is the best O/S after Apple OS X. It will run well on almost any computer from old and low powered to the latested multi-core machine. It also runs on laptops.

A great intro to Ubunto Hardy Heron - 2009-03-07
Reviewer Rating:
I got an urge to check out Linux Ubuntu around the holidays and after reading the reviews on this book decided to give it a try. It was very easy to load the disc on my computer and complete the practice exercises in each chapter. A really solid overview of Ubuntu's Hardy Heron version. I really want to get more into Ubuntu, but just haven't had the time to really play with it. I eventually want to build a computer to act as an entertainment hub and Linux will probably be the main operating system, but I'm definitely going through message boards to find the strengths and weaknesses of Linux before I start my project. This book was a great first step.

Ubuntu for Non-Geeks - 2009-06-12
Reviewer Rating:
I purchased this with little to no knowledge of Linux or Ubuntu, but in a desire to install on my wives laptop that was running Vista. I must have not paid attention as the book comes with version 8.04 and I purchased a 8.10 CD. Both are fine. The book is written as a long tutorial, with each step building upon the other. I have tried to follow the instructions, but have had to go to online Ubuntu forums to get clearer or updated help. Basically a decent guide, but not great. Only book on Ubuntu that I purchased, so nothing to compare it to.

Book was good..... - 2009-06-05
Reviewer Rating:
The CD it came with was all screwed up, yes you can go to the ubuntu website and get it but that isn't what I want to do. The book was good but wasn't exactly what I was looking for, talks about the GUI....not what I wanted.