Outdated Distros

I'll be frank. I was really looking forward to using this book. Making ISO copies of Linux distros can be a tedious and lengthy process. It's nice to know you can get the distros on one CD and check things out.

Here's a gentle reminder: If you are installing Linux on an older system WITHOUT a DVD-ROM, you cannot use the disk that came with the book. DUHH!!

The publisher will sell you all the CDs. The problem is, the distros that came with the book have been updated. For example, Mandrake is now Mondriva and Red Hat FC3 has moved on to FC5. Who wants to install older distros?

I simply did not find this book useful. The author mentions GRUB and LILO boot loaders but really provides no help or insights if you encounter boot loader difficulties during installation.

After successfully loading FC4 on my computer, I still have not found this book useful. I attempted to update my software and the instructs in this book didn't apply to the newer distro. For example, this book makes very little mention of the Red Hat FC4s *yum*. Many of the Linux commands reviewed in this book may be found over the Internet for free, as in free beer.

The author likened the ease of becoming a Linux user to boiling water (see the Introduction). This is not an accurate depiction.

I realize the author took on a great challenge in the writing of this book and I salute her for her efforts; however, this should not be the first book you pick up to teach yourself Linux.

Other Reviews

• Lunix for Dummies
• In need of an update.
• Linux for dummies
• The Best Linux Jump Start
• Outdated Distros