Linux for Non-Geeks Author: Rickford Grant Pages: 310 Publisher: No Starch Press ISBN: 1593270348 Summary: A useful introduction to Linux as a desktop operating system. Review Date: 30 September, 2004

Linux for Non-Geeks is aimed at a range of individuals, from 'Mom', to the average desktop user, to the 'fence-sitter' who only needs a good starting point to head down the Linux road. As it's for non-geeks, you wont find anything in the way of installing and configuring daemons, nor much depth in the arcana of command-line mastery, but instead it provides a down-to-earth, easily approachable introduction to Linux for use as a dektop system.

For an introductory text, Linux for Non-Geeks covers quite a broad array of topics, including installing Linux, customizing the desktop, printing, installing packages, using music and art programs for Linux, playing games, setting up network connections, running office and productivity applications, and using Linux in more than one language to name a handful. And weighing in at around 300 pages, it's not overly wordy about it all.

The book is very much project-oriented, offering numerous step-by-step recipes for performing various tasks in Linux. By and large these are useful, and helpful for those who might be otherwise timid about wading into such things without a hand to hold, but I fear such recipes could also be frustrating when a particular step doesn't work quite as advertised in the book.

Linux for Non-Geeks is based mainly on Fedora Core 1, and comes with a pair of CDs which provide a somewhat slimmed-down FC1 install for the reader. The author does occasionally provide tips for RedHat 9 users. Fedora Core 2 users should also be able to make use of the book, but some of the recipes may not be as easy to follow as they might be on FC1. The drawback here is that with the rapid pace of Fedora Core development, the book could soon be very out-of-date. Perhaps Debian-stable would have been a better choice in this aspect. On the other hand however, by specifing a specific distribution and version, the author has the advantage of a 'controlled' environment (and probably more enjoyable for a beginner in the target audience) for the reader.

How well does Linux for Non-Geeks meet the needs of its target audience? Starting with the 'Mom' category, and in general, for a non-technical audience, the book will be helpful if they have a resident geek they can turn to for advice when a particular recipe in the book doesn't work quite the way it's described. There are a few areas where topics are glossed over a bit, but the alternative would be a much larger, and perhaps less approachable work. As for average desktop users, and more savvy users, those who aren't afraid to crack open their computer if needed, the book will serve as a good guide to get them up and running, and perhaps act as a springboard when they're ready to jump into more advanced topics.

Overall, if you're new to Linux, and want to give it a try as a desktop system, then this book would be a good choice for helping you down that road. If you're looking to set up Linux as a server, or want more technical coverage, then this book isn't for you. As for myself, a hard-core geek, I found the book not so interesting as say, a dissertation on uploading custom firmware to extend the functionality of a Linksys WRT54g wireless access point, but I did learn a few things on my way through the book with respect to the desktop arena. I tend to spend most of my time in a terminal window, so a walk through GUI-land was enlightening in some aspects.

One small nit-pick I have with the No Starch Press books is the font size. Or perhaps it's the font face. Whatever the case, I find they're simply not as easy on the eyes as the O'Reilly books. Insignificant and subjective, yes, but a detail to be considered.

In conclusion, Linux for Non-Geeks is great for anyone looking for an excuse to give Linux on the desktop a try. My sister (not a geek, but an inquisitive computer user in general) recently expressed an interest in giving Linux a try. I think this book would be perfect for her situation, and will probably send it her way before too long. On the other hand, maybe I could get my wife to read it...;-)

Overall Rating: 7/10