Let me first start by saying this is not a developer book. Having said that, let me also say that it is impossible to review this book without also commenting on Ubuntu Linux.

At $34.99, I think this book would be overpriced if it were about a Microsoft operating system. For roughly 470 pages and a DVD, if this was a Windows book with the same level content, the price would be $24.99 to $29.99. Since it is about a Linux operating system, I guess it is assumed the audience is a little more technical so that they could afford a little higher price. Of course, this is an ironic statement since Linux is suppose to be free!

Be that as it may, if you are looking for a copy of the Ubuntu distribution of Linux and a book that overviews some of the key programs distributed with it, then this book is the perfect ticket for you. The DVD includes a bootable copy of the Ubuntu Linux distribution as well as a number of other programs that can run on Linux.

The book itself is nothing special. Rather, it is a relatively straightforward coverage of the Ubuntu operating system and many of the programs that come installed on it. This includes coverage of:

The GNOME desktop and X window system is the core of what you'll see when running Ubuntu. If you've used a Mac or Windows, then this desktop won't be too scarey. Quite to the contrary, it might actually seem relatively familiar. You will have title bars, menus, buttons, and other controls that look and operate similarly to some of the Microsoft Windows releases you've seen. All-in-all, a pretty easy place to get around. Moving to Ubuntu Linux will cover the desktop and help you learn your way around it.

Nautilus is the file browser provided by GNOME, which is provided as a part of the Ubuntu installation. If you've used Windows Explorer in Microsoft Windows, then you won't have any trouble using Nautilus. The concepts are the same and the operations are not that far apart.

Games could be covered later, but I believe they are worth mentioning now. The Ubuntu release with this book installs a number of games right off the bat. This includes a solitaire game, Ataxx, Blackjack, Four-in-a-Rowe, Freecell Patience, Mahjongg, Mines, Nibbles, Robots, and more. These games are as good as any pre-installed games on Windows XP. Additionally, there are more games you can find using the DVD and references in the book.

Sound Juicer, GIMP, Firefox, Evolution, Gaim, and many other programs are also installed. These are music, graphics, internet, and email programs that make your life easier. OpenOffice.org is also installed. If you haven't looked at Linux, then you likely haven't looked at OpenOffice.org either. This is a full-fledged competitor to Microsoft Office. For the average user, you will find this has everything you need in regard to productivity tools including a spreadsheet, a word processor a planning tool, a presentation tool, a database, and more. It really is an alternative to Microsoft Office.

Moving to Ubuntu Linux covers the basics of using all the programs I mention above. The DVD that is included is bootable, so you can stick it in your computer and fire it up without having to install it. If it works, then you'll be able to run Ubuntu and see all the programs without impacting your installation of Windows or any other operating system.

I say "if it works" because on three out of four of my machines I could not get Ubuntu to successfully come up. That could be my machines, it could be the disk, or it could simply be user error. When it did come up, it was nice. Combine that with the end-user book and I was able to take a serious look. The end result was that I could image installing this on a machine. I could also imagine setting it up for people who don't want to spend the hundreds of dollars for Windows and Microsoft Office. It is a serious alternative and a book like this one makes it possible for those use to using Windows to transition easily to the new programs.

What I don't like about the book is that it is a bit pricey for the level of material. Additionally, I had issues with the DVD. The first chapter could have been dropped. This is material on What is Linux and why is it so great. This chapter means that the "Installing" information doesn't happen until Page 31 and the "logging in" information doesn't happen until page 42. Most people want to jump in with both feet, so these delays are a bit extreme.

If you want to get your hands on a copy of an operating system, productivity ("Office"), system, and basically everything you need to install on a new computer to get it to run, then this book is perfect. It isn't Microsoft, but it is getting close.