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Linux Desktop Garage Book Review |
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Written by Don Lee
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Wednesday, 23 January 2008 |
 Linux Desktop Garage from Susan Matteson is a great resource for those looking to learn the Linux operating system. From the basics of learning the Linux interface to using some of the most popular applications on it, Linux Desktop Garage will help you get up to speed regardless of your knowledge or experience with this powerful operating system.
For a number of years now, I’ve been hearing about the virtues of the Linux operating system. People telling me how this is the future, it is the most stable operating system on the planet and that it is only for tech geeks. I’ve always been curious about it and while I consider myself tech savvy, I’m not going to wipe out all of the data on my current Windows setup to find out. Then I picked up Susan Matteson's Linux Desktop Garage.
Unlike the other books in the Garage series, this book contained a CD. Usually, CDs that accompany books are usually lost or never even used but this one was different. After looking over the disc's contents, I quickly discovered that the CD was bootable and it even contained some of the most popular Linux programs such as GIMP (image editing program) and OpenOffice (office suite). Put it in my CD drive and it booted right up to a Linux desktop. No installation, no reformat. Very cool idea!
My first taste of Linux and all I had to do was insert this CD. Simple yet elegant. I was impressed but how would the book's contents fare? Well, at least I now had something to work with while referencing the book.
What is on the CD?
Now that I’ve mentioned the CD, you’re now probably wondering what is actually on it? To my surprise, it’s some of the most popular programs available for the Linux platform. OpenOffice suite of programs (word processor, spreadsheet, presentation and web page editing programs), GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), Mozilla’s FireFox (web browser), Mozilla Thunderbird (e-mail client), Abiword (another word processing program), PDF Creator (helps create PDF documents) and Audacity (audio editing & mixing program). I’ve heard of most of these programs but never used them so I was very anxious to see what they can do.
What’s in the Book?
Matteson begins the 13 chapters of the Linux Garage with the basics of the Linux operating system such as the terminology, startup, dual booting and some general information. Chapters two, three and four cover the desktop layout, terminal,
Chapter five and six refer to using Linux for your web surfing, e-mail, newsgroups. Yes, there’s a number of Linux versions of your favorite applications like the FireFox, Opera and
Chapter seven demonstrates the uses of Linux e-mail program called Evolution. She says that the program will look similar to MS Outlook (and it really does), so those of you new converts can relax now. The KDE-PIM (personal information management) suite of programs offers various capabilities for the personal user. Programs such as Kontact, KMail, KAddressBook, KOrganizer, KAlarm, Kandy, Karm (keeps track of time spent on projects), KNotes (for sticky note uses) and KonsoleKalendar (keep the calendar events organized). Great programs (especially Karm) that will help keep you organized and efficient using your new OS. The chapter also offers information on how to sync your PDA.
Chapter nine covers the system's ability to handle graphics and images. Utilizing GIMP, this program works similiar to other standard image editing programs with its tool palettes, custom brushes, layers, filters and more. The chapter even offers a table describing the GIMP equivalents to Adobe Photoshop functions.
Chapter ten covers instant messaging and chat features, chapter eleven covers music and movie playback programs like Grip, iTunes inspired Rhythmbox, Noatun and more. As I got near the end of the book, I realized that this book is similar to those early books introducing you to the world of the Windows operating system. You get this feeling that everything is so new and different but by the time you completed it, it all looks the same. I think some people view Linux as something so radically different (and it is in a way) but when you look at the system, what's available and what you can do on it, then it doesn't seem any different from the first time you powered up your first Windows based computer. The Linux Desktop Garage has definitely opened my eyes to a new world. I never knew that there was so many programs available and it was as sophisticated in usage.
The Final Word
If you’re like me and want to know more about Linux without wiping out your current hard drive, then you need to pick up the Linux Garage. Matteson takes out all the high-end tech language and breaks it down to its simplest form which is very helpful for those who want to learn what Linux is all about without all the headaches and geek speak.
The book contains many quick tips and screenshots when referencing particular programs and techniques. The book's layout is very intuitive and the content of the book is very easy to understand for those of us who aren't Linux savvy. The bootable CD and its programs are a tremendous help and turned the book from good to great. I was able to learn a great deal from the Linux Desktop Garage and I didn't have to do any changes to my system to learn it.
I would strongly recommend Matteson’s Linux Garage for anyone curious about this operating system, what is available for it, what it offers users and those just looking for an alternative. You won’t be disappointed with the Linux Garage because by the time you reach the end of the book, you will have a greater sense of what this operating system is all about and why some people are fired up about it’s future.
About Susan Matteson
Susan Matteson is an avid Linux user, web developer and creative writer. She has contributed to the Cold Fusion Developer’s Journal and has designed hundreds of web sites.
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