Written with real users in mind.

I wrote this book to help real people learn to use Red Hat's Linux products in real situations; I have tried to write with current Windows or Mac OS users in mind. There's minimum of fluff or unnecessary technical jargon; instead, I try to give clear, concise instructions in step-by-step format for performing common tasks in Linux:

- Installing Linux (while preserving Windows)
- Internet, email and Web browsing
- Desktop publishing, word processing and spreadsheets
- Managing files, folders and your desktop
- Wallpaper, screen savers, colors and other preferences
- How to use the command line without being intimidated by it

For advanced users, there are also step-by-step sections on:

- Sharing Linux files with Windows computers over the network
- Using your computer as an Internet Web server
- Basic security and computers with more than one user
- Basic scripting in Linux
- Thin-client (network) computing

Finally, there's also a chapter on backing up your data and recovering from disasters.

Whenever possible, I try to give the exact steps needed for you to perform a specific task -- the exact words that you need to type, the exact icon that you need to click, the exact menu item that you need to choose, and so on -- in order to make Linux as painless as possible for users who are more familiar with Windows or Mac OS. I've also included as many illustrations as Sams would let me include -- in some chapters, nearly two a page, clearly labeled -- so that you can compare the steps that you need to perform to what you see on your own screen.

My intent was to write a book that family and friends could use to learn Linux -- both the basics and a few of the more powerful tools as well. I hope you enjoy it!

Other Reviews

• Written with real users in mind.
• Good Book with the Linux Newbie in mind