Rating: 
Summary: Great how to, shows that Linux can be fun
Review: I was unable to get the "Knoppix" software to work with my dial-up modem(s), both of which other Linux distributions (Red Hat Fedora, SUSE Professional 9.0, etc.) had no problem finding. Sent author a email for help. Never heard back. Scrapped book and software. Have ordered "Moving from Windows to Linux" by Chuck Easttom.
Rating: 
Summary: don't email author for help - you are on your own
Review: I was unable to get the "Knoppix" software to work with my dial-up modem(s), both of which other Linux distributions (Red Hat Fedora, SUSE Professional 9.0, etc.) had no problem finding. Sent author a email for help. Never heard back. Scrapped book and software. Have ordered "Moving from Windows to Linux" by Chuck Easttom.
Rating:
Summary: The Book I Wish I'd Had When I Started Using Linux
Review: I've been running Linux myself for a number of years, and have been trying to encourage friends, colleauges and family to convert from Windows.They are always worried about the complexity (or at least the feeling of complexity from using something different). But now this book (coupled with the modern Linux distributions) provides all that even a nervous migrator needs. I bought the book on the strength of the author's previous book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I've also recommended it to a number of people already. If everyone wrote computer books in such a clear and enthusiastic way then more people would read them. And it's probably the first time that I've found a long term use for a CD accompanying a book. I'm able to use this CD to boot up a Linux system wherever I go, without affecting the host computer at all. So I can use my familiar Linux tools anywhere to fetch email, browse the web or whatever. And the Knoppix distribution even looks beautiful ... even my Windows loving family were impressed !!! Thoroughly recommended for all Linux users ... and a MUST BUY for all folks even remotely thinking of trying Linux.
Rating:
Summary: Good read, good advice, great idea
Review: I've tried Linux of several flavors over the years; Redhat, Mandrake, Caldera. But there was always some program for which I needed a MS operating system. Some difficulty or incompatability with my current machine and the Linux flavor of the day. Yet each year I suffered the instability and lack of security of the poorly designed products from Redmond. The constant disregard for their customers, the way updates take more and more control of my machine, the insidious creep of this power-hungry corporation wore on me. Now this book turns up and shows the way to an alternative which appears, finally, ready for novices such as myself. The included CD which loaded, and ran without a hitch on my *laptop*, was a revelation. I was able to play with Linux, trying manuevers while reading the book. What an excellent idea. What a great learning tool. My hat's off to Mr. Gagne. And many thanks.
Rating:
Summary: Anything Windows Can Do, I Can Do Better...
Review: Is Linux ready for the desktop? You bet! This book covers everything to get you started, from what to expect installing Linux (including how to keep your Windows(tm), if you want) to Word Processing, surfing the web, email, the works. Written in Mr. Gagne's usual crisp style it gets you through the technical parts without feeling technical. It's a fun read and the CD will even let you try Linux out without installing anything on your PC. I've had Linux on my workstation for 8-9 years (before 1.0 came out, if you must know) so I know a bit about it. Two things about this book: 1) It is helpful and accurate, and 2) I still learned stuff. If you are thinking about ditching MS Windows this book will get you on the way. If you're already using Linux get it for your friends.
Rating:
Summary: Great book for moving to Linux!
Review: Marcel's ability to communicate in a way that anyone can comprehend is extraordinary. This book provides a much needed look at many of the available applications that are associated to Linux and provides the reader the information about how to accomplish various tasks in a way that is easy to digest. I would highly recommend it to anyone desiring to install and run Linux. The CD that accompanies the book is a unique version of Knoppix (bootable Linux) that allows folks the ability to get a taste of the Linux environment before actually installing it to a hardrive. It's great to see something that is available to help people truly experience the possibilities that are available with Linux and thus kiss the blue screen of death goodbye. Great work Marcel!
Rating:
Summary: Great book to help you move from Windows to Linux
Review: Review
I've been interested in running a Linux desktop lately, and I've looked at a number of books to help me get there. The problem is that you either get a good book on installing Linux, or you get a book that delves into the guts of Linux. But what if you just want to learn how to do day-to-day activities (like create documents, spreadsheets, listen to music, etc.)? If that's your situation, this is your book. The author does a good job in explaining what Linux is and the installation process for the different distributions, like Red Hat, Mandrake, and SuSE. Following his instructions, you should be able to get a Linux desktop running with little effort. While not an in-depth install manual, the typical user should have enough detail to accomplish the job. From there, you will get acquainted with the different commonly used tools in a Linux distribution like Konqueror, Kmail, GIMP, and OpenOffice. It's this information that will help you make the transition from being competent in a Windows environment to being competent on your new Linux desktop. For those who want to get beyond the user desktop experience, you will find plenty of references to how the Linux shell operates and how you can use the command line utilities to experience the full power of Linux. It's enough to allow you to do useful tasks without bogging you down in too much detail. The book also includes a Knoppix Linux CD in the back. This CD allows you to run a Linux system on your computer without installing anything. While somewhat slow (since it runs from the CD) and limited (can't easily save your work), it does give you the chance to experience Linux with no commitment. Do keep in mind that this book is not meant to be a complete reference book for Linux. If you want to become an expert on shell scripting, you'll want something more than this. But if you're looking for the tool to help you cross over from Windows to Linux, you'll like the level of coverage. Conclusion
This is the best book I've read so far that talks about how to install and run Linux as a typical user. It also covers all the applications you will want to run on a regular basis. Truly a very good book.
Rating:
Summary: Great book to help you move from Windows to Linux
Review: Review
I've been interested in running a Linux desktop lately, and I've looked at a number of books to help me get there. The problem is that you either get a good book on installing Linux, or you get a book that delves into the guts of Linux. But what if you just want to learn how to do day-to-day activities (like create documents, spreadsheets, listen to music, etc.)? If that's your situation, this is your book. The author does a good job in explaining what Linux is and the installation process for the different distributions, like Red Hat, Mandrake, and SuSE. Following his instructions, you should be able to get a Linux desktop running with little effort. While not an in-depth install manual, the typical user should have enough detail to accomplish the job. From there, you will get acquainted with the different commonly used tools in a Linux distribution like Konqueror, Kmail, GIMP, and OpenOffice. It's this information that will help you make the transition from being competent in a Windows environment to being competent on your new Linux desktop. For those who want to get beyond the user desktop experience, you will find plenty of references to how the Linux shell operates and how you can use the command line utilities to experience the full power of Linux. It's enough to allow you to do useful tasks without bogging you down in too much detail. The book also includes a Knoppix Linux CD in the back. This CD allows you to run a Linux system on your computer without installing anything. While somewhat slow (since it runs from the CD) and limited (can't easily save your work), it does give you the chance to experience Linux with no commitment. Do keep in mind that this book is not meant to be a complete reference book for Linux. If you want to become an expert on shell scripting, you'll want something more than this. But if you're looking for the tool to help you cross over from Windows to Linux, you'll like the level of coverage. Conclusion
This is the best book I've read so far that talks about how to install and run Linux as a typical user. It also covers all the applications you will want to run on a regular basis. Truly a very good book.
Rating: 
Summary: The easiest way yet to switch from Windows!
Review: The author has a very down-to-earth way of explaining the simplest way of switching to LINUX. I would recommend this book for the person who would like to try LINUX, but maybe feels slightly intimidated. It is very helpful and straightforward without to much command-line usage. Concentrates on how to accomplish things using a GUI interface. Excellent!
Rating: 
Summary: To basic for a prior windows user.
Review: The book went over things that work very similar to the way windows works. I was hoping for a through explination on the install which was not there. The book focuses on how to use the kde desktop (which works alot like windows). I read about half the book when I put it down and just jumped in and tried what worked in windows. Like right clicking on the desktop to custimize it and it brought up a menu with a configure desktop as an option that brought up what I was looking for. I found the jumping in and playing option got me up and running alot quicker than reading the book and following along. I don't think this book would help the prior windows user much. But would be good for a person just starting out with linux without any windows background as it gives basic functons of a few programs usually included with linux.
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