Red Hat Linux Fedora for Dummies

Rating:
Summary: Great book for using Linux
Review: I liked this book because it showed me how to do a lot of cool things with Linux. It did a good job of installing Linux along side my Windows computer. I also got my internet radio working and some other stuff. Good job!

Rating:
Summary: Covers both introductory and advanced topics
Review: Red Hat, Inc. recently combined their Red Hat Linux distribution with the open source Fedora Linux Project to create the Fedora Core Project. FCP produced Fedora Core 1, which is essentially what would have been Red Hat Linux 10. Red Hat, Inc. maintains overall control while the user community contributes to the technical development of the project.

Red Hat Linux Fedora for Dummies helps you use Fedora Core 1 to get work done and also have a lot of fun. We provide information to help you learn the following topics:

* Repartition your computer to use Fedora Core 1 with Windows
* Install Fedora Core 1 from a DVD (no more swapping CDs!)
* Connect to the Internet through a broadband DSL or cable modem
* Connect to the Internet through a dial up telephone modem
* Connect to an existing home or office local area network (LAN)
* Troubleshoot network connections
* Use the OpenOffice suite (compatible with MS Office)
* Browse the Internet with Mozilla
* Use Mozilla or Evolution to process your e-mail
* Play CDs and DVDs
* Listen to Internet audio streams with MPlayer
* Provide basic network services to your LAN
* Use simple and advanced techniques to secure your computer
* Create a networked streaming audio server with IceCast
* Use VMware to install a Windows or Linux virtual computer
* Use Wine to run Windows applications
* and many more subjects...

We use straight-forward examples to demonstrate each area of interest. Our book describes how to do most of the simple, but essential tasks necessary to install and use Fedora Core 1. However, this book is more than an introduction to Fedora Core and Linux. We introduce several carefully chosen advanced topics, such as streaming multimedia servers and virtual machines, to demonstrate the power of Fedora Core. The end result is that Red Hat Linux Fedora for Dummies covers a suprisingly wide spectrum of topics in an easy to understand manner.

Rating:
Summary: Not all bad but not very good either
Review: This is a good book for computer novices who do not desire a solid Linux background. Unfortunately, this is not the group who would normally venture into the world of Red Hat Fedora or Linux in general.

I have several problems with this text. 1. It does not take Linux seriously...viewing the operating system as a simple and secondary desktop replacement for Windows. 2. It deals almost exclusively with the workstation installation of Linux yet it does not indicate this as the emphasis anywhere on the front or back cover. 3. More than once throughout the book it suggests you go out and buy some other third party software to make installation possible, etc. 4. It has no useful command line instruction. As anyone who has experimented with Linux will tell you, you will need at least some command line ability to unlock any real power in Linux...this book really does not address this reality.

The book is a light read and may help those who want to install Fedora as a secondary operating system along side Windows. It has a basic description of the primary GUI (GNOME) associated with Linux but does not really give the user enough information to "understand" the OS.

In short, there is really no substance here. I find myself questioning the author's understanding of Linux and its current position as more than simply a secondary operating system running along side Windows. In fact, there are several historical and technical notes found in the book which are incorrect...perhaps they should have mixed in an informed editor..?

I would avoid this book if you want any real undertanding of Linux. Once you play with Linux for an hour you will outgrow this book and find yourself coming back to Amazon looking for a "real" Linux text.

So why did I give this book a 2 instead of a 1? The accompanying DVD has an "almost inclusive" copy of the OS (well, not really) which could be great for those unable to downlaod the OS. There are also a couple decent chapters which MAY assist the most novice user...however I doubt it.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Starter Book
Review: This is an excellent book for someone who is just starting out with Linux. Its easy to follow, easy to understand. The book does expect you to have some prior knowledge of computers. Not expert knowlege but if you're even reading a review for this book then you probably have some knowlege of computers.

The great thing is it comes with a DVD of Fedora 1 for you to install. As of right now Fedora 3 is out, but the material seems to still be very relevant.

I would read through this book in your spare time, subscribe to some Linix forums, and welcome to Open Source Computing!