Advanced programming libraries strong in Linux will find this in-depth coverage written by Ubuntu experts offers programmers clear support and information, with the 3rd updated edition providing tips on customization, upgrades, and installation and administration. From what to do when Ubuntu won't start to command options, useful features and more, this is an item of choice for any serious Ubuntu collection or software designer's library.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

This book does not have a list of all commands showing their operation and syntax. This would seem to be appropriate for a book intended to be a primer.

This book is a good value because it is thorough and contains the OS on disk. Yes, of course the OS is free, but if you are someone who is not a linux user, you hardly want "compiling the linux kernel" to be your first experience.

To be perfectly honest, I haven't found myself enthralled with ubuntu, and find I am using that XP option on the dual boot most of the time, but this book was still a very good purchase. For $25 bucks both an extensive reference manual and the actual OS is a good idea for someone considering ubuntu.

I have to give credit to the authors who put together a comprehensive book about Ubuntu. This book is just perfect for new users!

I decided to delve into building a server and purchased this book believing I would find much more information than I did. The book touches lightly on server setup and administration. So I was a little disappointed. There is a plethora of information about this topic on the Ubuntu Forums. I just wanted something that would have this information all in one place.

I gave this book to a friend who is new to Linux and hopefully he'll get the bug like I did several years ago.

Well if you are wanting to know the entire history line of ubuntu rather than working the OS then this book is for you. I know that if I had known that over half the book was the history of Ubuntu I wouldn't have thought of buying it. Think this book will help you figure out a difficult hardware problem like wireless think again, rather it will tell you to buy a card that is compatible which is downright saddening. Ubuntu Forums has 20 times the info one would need to fix problems. If though you are a first time Ubuntu user or want to try it out buy it up. It comes with a Live/Install disk so you can test drive the OS.

New to Ubuntu and not a bad overview on the subject. However, if you are a geek, you will want a book with a little more meat.

This book will tell you about the UBUNTU project, about installing it, running it through it's graphical interface and many of it's default GUI features. What it will not do is teach anything about UNIX.

I run Windows XP home. I'm happy with it generally, but I know that as my computer ages, I will have to move on to Mac or Vista. I suspect that Vista is probably a fine OS, but since I will retire my existing machine in the foreseeable future I decided to be cutting-edge and investigate Ubutu. I thought I had only ordered the book, and somehow overlooked the fact that the OS disc was included. A nice surprise to find the disc included. I have not tried installing the system yet (cold feet), but I can vouch for the fact that the manual is well written and lucid. One thing is never made clear; Can you run Windows programs in Linux-Ubutu? Well, there are three quick answers: First, much Windows software will work in Ubutu. Second, some will work with a bit of coaxing, or not at all. Finally, there is a LOT of good software (28,000 free programs!),that perform the same functions for free and are designed for Linux systems. My conclusion? Save Ubutu for your existing systems retirement. Still, if your not slavishly attached to Windows, you might be greatly pleased by what the Linux experience has to offer. There's good stuff there.

I'm a long-time Linux user, somewhat new to Ubuntu, and I was interested to see what this book brought to the table so I looked at it. This is a GREAT book if you have never used Linux before, or have little Linux experience and zero Ubuntu experience. However, for everyone else, this book is a waste of money, unless it is just to support the project (which is a very noble cause). The first part of the book tells you about the history of Ubuntu, which is interesting but not why I would buy this book. Then it goes over the install process, which to the credit of the distribution is so simple that if you've ever successfully installed Linux before, you don't need. Once you get to chapters 7 - 11 it talks about related projects in quick summary form, as well as the online forums and projects. Appendix B - E talks about licensing and other documents, as well as more forum information. So in the end, you're left with chapters 3 - 6 of information that you'd ever want to refer to more than once, plus Appendix A which gives you 10 pages on the command line, for a total of 134 (out of 497) pages. The rest is either available in a more ideal format on the internet or something you'd only want to read once. I think a better idea would have been to release two books: #1 "The Ubuntu Way" detailing the history, etc., and #2 a usage guide tailored to this distro.

I think a better way to learn Linux with Ubuntu for those who want a physical book would be to read the Ubuntu wiki and pick up the latest edition of Linux in a Nutshell. Or Ubuntu for Non-Geeks.

This book combined with the LINUX bible are a must have for anyone just beginning to learn LINUX. They will walk you through the whole transition from VISTA (viruses, intruders, spyware, Trojans, and adware) or any other MS products.