Rating: 
Summary: A Good Primer
Review: This is the first work of Neal Stephenson that I've read, andI've found it to be highly satisfactory. Stephenson takes a lookat the MacOS, the BeOS, Windows, and Linux in a friendly, conversational style. He makes the universe of operating systems comprehensible to the everyman through frank language and entertaining metaphors. Stephenson relates his own experiences with and opinions of each of the operating systems, and uses each to point out some of the strengths and weaknesses of each. While this is certainly not the ultimate resource on any OS, it does give enough on each so that the reader can outline the fundemental differences on each OS. Several of the negative reviewers complain that "Linux isn't free". To clarify this, Linux's SOURCE CODE is free. Thus any user can get their hands on a version of the code and hack it, redistribute it for profit, etc. Thus you are FREE to do whatever you want with Linux. Hence the free software designation... Overall, I'd have to say that this is a worthwhile buy if you are new to the OS world and are interested in learning more, or if you have only some vague ideas about what was going on (as I did). Stephenson has created an accessible primer to the OS world and more in-depth, lengthy books.
Rating: 
Summary: A passable opinion piece, but with tedious writing.
Review: The opinions in this are most superficial but generally interesting, and make for an undemanding afternoon's read. But good God, do we have to picket Stephenson's publisher to get an editor assigned to him? Stephenson says in four paragraphs what he could just as well say in two sentences. Much of this essay reads like someone just strung together the posts in a ranty Usenet thread. This, folks, is the kind of thing an editor is supposed to stop from happening. And unlike most bad writing, it's a /pity/, because this could have actually been a very good essay.
Rating:
Summary: I love anti-Microsoft ranting and raving!
Review: While I disagree with the premise that GUIs are inherently evil and moronic, and that command lines are better are smarter, I found this quite an interesting book. Much of what the author says is true though the writing is sophomoric at times, especially when he tries to sound hip and cool. There were some blatant inaccuracies and some other things that I looked askance at, especially since I have extensive experience with Windows 95/98 as well as Linux, as well as Unix on "grown-up platforms." But the book makes for an interesting conversation piece, gets you thinking. At least it made me think more about the role that vision plays in intellectual processes, as opposed to verbal channels (i.e. language and text.) Ultimately Stephenson confuses his theory "selling OS's is ridiculous" with the theory that "visual based systems are inferior." If you read his book critically and take its rants and raves with many grains of salt, it can be fun and rewarding.
Rating: 
Summary: Required reading for all computer users
Review: Warning: I am a die-hard Neal Stephenson fan. If this bothers you, don't read further! That aside, "In the Beginning Was the Command Line" should be required reading for anyone who a) regularly uses a personal computer b) has expressed an opinion on the current DOJ vs. Microsoft case. Most computer users are as unfamiliar with why they use Windows (or Macs) as they are with the history of the elevator. The elevator did not significantly change the world; GUI's & PC's have. I know half of you are already yawning, looking for another book to purchase, but wait...this is a really quick read, &, better yet, it's hysterically funny! Yes, folks, you not only get informed, are given some concepts to contemplate, you actually enjoy the process! Stephenson admits this book is simply an essay, his musings on the 4 main operating systems currently in use (MacOS, Windows, Linux, BeOS) & how they can be viewed in the context of global culture. He gives examples from personal experience, & unlike most techno-geek/hacker types, he doesn't appear to view Bill Gates as the anti-christ (which is probably why some people hate this book). But please, don't let that scare you off. This book is an easy read for those who have never typed a single line of code in their life, while still being thought provoking for even the "Morlocks" (Stephenson's term) of the world. Let's face it: if you're reading this, you're an Internet user. Thus, you use computers. You need the information in this book. It's only $6. BUY IT!
Rating: 
Summary: Coders, Hackers: All Else Beware
Review: Reading the book, I felt like I had wandered into a strange neighborhood bar where the local good fellow was ranting on and on about how "authentic" experience and free will could only be had by using a non-Windows operating system (and a non-Mac also). Somehow, we'd all be more intelligent, critical thinkers, if we invented our own operating systems. Why stop there? Why not build our own computers? And I don't mean buying off-the-shelf parts, but actually getting our own silicon, wiring, etc. This book really is for techies, and not for those who regard computers as a means to an end, not an end in itself. Although the author tries to create a larger context ("we should make our own decisions"), his own history of screwing around trying to set a system up is pathetic. I'd rather be hiking, surfing, or riding, than waste more time trying to reinvent the wheel.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant insight into the future of the computer age
Review: This is by far the most well written essay on the computer industry and the technology that impacts our lives daily. The insight into the future of operating systems and the major players in the computer industry is enrapturing. There is a point at which the essay takes a trip down a tangent road, however, Stephenson does bring it full circle. Stephenson really paints a full and complete picture of not only where the computer industry has been but where it's going and why. He focuses on all the nuisances and events that have brought us to the advent of LINUX and the Microsoft anti-trust trial. It's not light reading; more academic in nature, but you will undoubtedly understand the personal computer's past and future.
Rating:
Summary: Induces thinking and new ideas
Review: First of all I have to say that I do not agree completely with everything that Neal Stephenson says in this pamphlet, but it gave me new perspectives and ideas. And in my books that's what counts. And that, I believe, is why Stephenson has written this book. As a researcher and a writer I have been thinking many of the issues Stephenson addresses about our past, present and future OS and UI culture. And I believe my thinking and writing have benefitted greatly from reading this book. So, if you are interested in the history and philosophy behind operating systems and graphical user interfaces, you could spend your money much worse.
Rating: 
Summary: Not worth reading
Review: I don't see a reason to buy this book. Nothing Stephenson has to say is new or interesting - anybody who'd consider buying the book has most likely read articles about the "OS Wars" for years now. This book rehashes the most commonly made points, seemingly without much thought. More than that, Stephenson makes his points using elaborated metaphors which are so smug and self-assured (and trite - he compares OS's to cars throughout the course of the book), I found them actively annoying.
Rating:
Summary: Well versed, easily accesible introduction to the topic.
Review: Stphenson's syle glides you through what can be a very complicated journey with the wit and knowledge of a good tour director. He will introduce you to the sights, and share with you the benefits of his experience in a manner that shares his enthusiasm for the subject matter. You may not agree with his opinion of the various landmarks on the way, but you wil at least know Why he feels the way he does - this reason, and depth being missing from most popular (newspaper/magazine) discource of the topics. This is worth the time of a quick couple hundred pages.
Rating:
Summary: Just an opinion, but wonderfully executed
Review: I came across this essay over a year ago. I forget what led me to it, but it was (and still is) available via the BeOS web site. I don't know who or how or when, but someone apparently decided to put it in a book. So those who think it should have been an essay in Wired, rather than a book, were right on the money. One of the things I noticed is that BeOS is mentioned at the beginning and the end, but not a great deal in between. I found this funny, but everything you get from Stephenson is quirky, over the top, and definitely thought provoking. I agree with some of what he says, disagree with other parts, but found the whole thing a refreshing change from the media-hype that drives any discussion of operating systems, personal computers, etc. I recommend it strongly -- even if you completely disagree with it.
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