Rating: 
Summary: Linux For Dummies isn't for dummies
Review: As a Newbie to Linux, who has tried installations of Red Hat Linux 5.2, 6.0, Caldera 1.3 and Mandrake 5.3, I found that this book was not much help in directing me how to get started with using Linux and Linux applications. Perhaps it would be useful as a reference later.I also scanned The Complete Idiot's Guide To Linux and found that this was much more helpful in its organization and material for a Newbie. As it happens, I get lots of advice and encouragement from several local Linux users groups.
Rating:
Summary: Lack of coherent plan & definitely not for beginners
Review: I ordered this book originally from Amazon for one reason and one reason only. It was the cheapest way I could find of getting (1) Redhat Linux and (2) A Linux Book. I don't consider myself a dummy, but I expected the book to make walking through Linux as a newbie relatively painful. Boy, was I wrong. I realize that each Linux distribution and version has its own little percularities but when a CD is distributed with a book, especially one for beginners, the instructions in the book should be accurate for that distribution. I eventually got around the errors, but not until reading other materials on the subject. One example of this confusion is the chapter on Linux Customizing which involves recompiling your kernel. It would've been really swell if they mentioned that Redhat, by default, doesn't install the kernel source code so the instructions they tell you to follow to compile your kernel can't work. Despite what the authors say in the introduction, this is simply an awful book for beginners. The only reason I can give it even two stars is that it does have a useful glossary and appendices and it would make a worthy reference book after you've read others.
Rating:
Summary: Focuses on installing and configuring; too basic
Review: This book was a true disappointment. The bulk of the text focused mainly on installing and configuring Linux, which seemed like a repeat of the Red Hat installation docs (which are free). The author did not really focus on showing how to use Linux to any degree of productivity, which will come as a true disappointment to computer literate readers who are exploring Linux for the first time.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book.
Review: This book is perfect for advanced users who wish to install and configure LINUX step-by-step and then learn and unleash all the power of linux by using the actual OS. If you wish to learn it by reading on it, well don't buy this book. It guides you through the installation and configuration and explains how tu use it. But doesn't explain everything. This book was excellent for me and I am giving it 5 (five) stars.
Rating: 
Summary: Poor
Review: It should have occurred to me, when I foolishly purchased this book, that a handle like "Maddog" was not auspicious. This book is poorly written and its treatment of the subject matter is not worthy of a book devoted to Linux. The ancient copy of Red Hat hardly justifies the asking price. The instructions are incomplete and superficial. Insult was added to injury, however, in the section on the configuration of X-Window. "Maddog" suggested that if you were not successful in getting X running you should; "buy a solution", or "take a trip to the South Pacific". I was not amused. Someone who buys this type of book, to learn about an operating system on his home computer, wants concise information. I didn't expect a compendium, but the combination of glibness and lack of clear, basic information was more than I could tolerate. This book went back to the store! Unless you have twenty bucks burning a hole in your pocket, save yourself the trouble.
Rating:
Summary: As far as the Dummies series books goes this one flopps!
Review: If you already know something about Linux this book may be an ok reference. The installation instructions leave more than a bit to be desired. The book is for those that have an installed version of Linux and want to start to use it. As an intro to a working system it rates 2 stars but as a primer for the novice that wants to install Red Hat look elsewhere. This book is a must not buy. I got more from the Docs on the CD, and as terse and cryptic as they are that is really saying something about the book. Like don't waste your money here. For a low cost way to acquire Red Hat, Go for it, but the software will change soon... Better think hard before getting it! Is it really worth it?
Rating: 
Summary: Set Up a Powerful LINUX System--Quickly, Easily, and Cheaply
Review: Capitalize on the power of the LINUX Operating System--without spending years becoming a computer guru. Even if you have no experience with LINUX or UNIX Operating Systems, you can rely on "LINUX For Dummies, 2nd Edition," to help you install, organize, maximize, and trouble-shoot a LINUX system. With the advice of our expert team, you'll be tackling complex jobs like a pro in a snap. Inside, find helpful advice on how to: *Get the upper hand on the LINUX command system *Add to the power of LINUX with its helpful configuration utilities *Select a shell program that works for you *Follow the step-by-step guide to installing LINUX *Discover the ins-and-outs of the X Windows System, the graphical portion of LINUX *Find the right answers to your trouble-shooting questions *Maintain your system in tip-top shape
Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected...
Review: Well I opened this book at the bookstore and it looked OK at first glances. I got it home and managed to get an install of RedHat going, but I had to forget the networking bit because my ethernet card wasn't detected, and did the book explain what to do if it wasn't? No. Therefore my linux system was useless as I had no network. When I followed some HOWTO's, it seemed half the commands (such as make config was not even located in /usr/src/linux, in fact it was no-where and the book doesn't explain why. Dissappointing, don't buy this book.
Rating:
Summary: Poorly rewritten 2nd Ed.
Review: Tis trully sad when a second edition such as this one comes out and is more out of date than the first edition. This version contains poor documentation, poor layout and an overall poor treatment of the OS. If you like the dummies series, get the out of print 1st edition, it is much better.
Rating:
Summary: Only for the tech that knows linux-then it is incomplete
Review: The book is much like the rest of the linux documentation. It appears to be haphazard in its content. Instructions appear to be made for either those that understand Linux or those that only need help with the specific subjects of the book. The installation instructions are not much better than those found on the Red hat installation guide. Some of the specific screen illustartions are either out of date or do not match those that come with the operating system supplied. Suggest obtaining the Que guide rather than This one. The Que Using Linux guide will be much larger, but, it does cover more aspects of the Linux system.
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