Reviews for Linux in Easy Steps

1. Linux in Easy Steps = Ubuntu in Easy Steps ???

   Rated 3 out of 5 stars, September 12nd, 2009

   The book is fine as far as it goes, but is so heavily Ubuntu-based that
   it ought to be titled "Ubuntu in Easy Steps".
   
   Also many of the commands do not exist (at least in PCLinuxOS) and some of
   example programmes listings given do not work.
   

2. Linux Ubuntu 8.10

   Rated 3 out of 5 stars, March 12th, 2009

   Not fully compatible with all aspects of Linux Ubuntu 8.10 desktop edition
   but has been a great help in both basic and advanced understanding of the
   operating system, I think Microsoft should be concerned as i find Ubuntu
   every bit as good as windows Vista and XP thanks to the easy steps and plain english instructions. Mike Mcgrath has produced a good book.

3. Seriously misleading title

   Rated 2 out of 5 stars, August 12th, 2008

   I bought this book for a colleague on the assumption that it would be a general introduction to Linux for beginners. Earlier reviews had erroneously suggested it was specific to the Suse distribution releases which would have been fine for us as that's what we usually use (with KDE desktop). Unfortunately, for our purposes, it turns out it is based on Ubuntu, this would not be a problem if it was made clear that this was the case and if it pointed out where it was being distribution or desktop environment specific.
   
   If you are just starting with a Linux based system and have already chosen/installed Ubuntu then this is a fine introduction. If you haven't decided on a distribution and/or desktop or have already chosen something else, then half of this book will be at best irrelevant or just plain confusing. The problem for beginners is that they will not know which half is relevant and which isn't.
   
   Regrettably it makes what is becoming a common assumption - that Linux=Ubuntu/Gnome, which is not the case and it is important to point out that one of the advantages of using Linux based systems is having a choice.
   
   Rename it "Ubuntu in easy steps", explain that Ubuntu uses the Gnome desktop and that there are other choices and it earns a 5* rating, as it is otherwise well written, clear and concise.
   
   Produce an equivalent version for Suse/Fedora/Mandriva etc focusing on KDE, Give it a truthful title and I'll have one of those thanks.

4. The best visual guide found

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, August 12th, 2008

   Highly visual, masses of screenshots, and how to do's.
   
   Each page is a "complete" how to topic, such as Partitioning the Disk, Making space to install Linux, and the different ways to install (reduce the windows partition or add a second Hard drive to the system).
   Standard issue like changing Screen resolution - but every page is covered in visual step by step diagrams.
   
   Too many Linux books are "wordy", and don't focus on the immediate hit and runs that you need to get started fast.
   
   At the end are shell scripting and an index of commands.
   
   Very concise, tight, colourful, easy.
   Logical and highly structured, in a visual manner.
   
   Easy to follow, easy to learn from.
   

5. Ideal first book on Linux

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, June 12th, 2008

   This book is very clearly written and logically laid out. The author has his targeted audience in mind throughout the book. It is not perfect but still gets 5 stars since I believe it achieves its objectives.
   
   This is an ideal first book on Linux permitting the reader to move on to the next stage.