Spring Into Linux

Book Review: Page (1) of 2 - 07/01/05

Spring Into Linux Learn to use the Linux operating system By David James Rockingham III

Click image to purchase Spring Into Linux by Janet Velade
While Linux is still considered to be a tech geek?s operating system, taking a quick look at what you can do with it will surprise you. Computer users have always been slow to adopt new operating systems. People either adapted because of their jobs or through the replacement of their personal computer.

With the emergence and maturation of the Linux operating system, users are becoming more interested in this Windows alternative. While some folks are a little overwhelmed by learning a new OS, Spring Into Linux by Janet Velade can help ease the frustration and get you started in this new platform.

What is in the Book?
The book opens pretty slowly on the concepts of open source software. Chapter one talks about the basics of the open source movement, where Linux fits into this movement and what the GNU program is. Chapter two follows the early concepts of Linux and the versions distributions of the Linux operating system that?s currently available.

Just when you?ve read all about the birth of Linux, now?s the time to get into it. Chapter three begins your journey into the world of Linux by informing you about Linux?s requirements, compatibility issues, downloading Linux, ensuring your computer system is capable of running Linux and making space on your hard drive for your new operating system.

Chapter four is the most important chapter in the book and for good reason?it?s covers the installation on Linux. Being that it is the largest chapter in the book, you can bet that there?s plenty of very important pieces of information you should understand to ensure that your Linux installation goes as smoothly as possible. The chapter begins with collecting information

Chapter five teaches you how to navigate through the Linux environment by pointing out the graphical user interface, GNOME, KDE, using the Linux command line and how to choose an interface. Now that you have successfully installed Linux, it?s time to learn how to use it. In chapter six, author Valade works her way through logging into the system, the Linux desktop layout, how to configure the desktop and making changes to your desktop?s appearance. Everyone has their own working preferences and this is where you learn to make Linux your own personal workspace.

Now we all remember typing in those DOS commands from way back when. Well Linux also has a command line that you can utilize too. In chapter seven, you learn how to enter commands, proper syntax, some of the more useful commands that you should be aware of and how to configure a terminal window. As we move along to chapter eight, Valade teaches you how to set up an account, add new accounts, set passwords and adding new groups. Learning how to manage files is just as important as the files themselves. In chapter nine, the author teaches you all about file management, file organization, examining files from the Linux Desktop as well as the command line. You also learn about file permissions such as changing permissions, managing owners and groups, the different file types, creating directories and files.

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