Foo - Linux Geeks

I need a solid reference book on Ubuntu. Last time I played with it was version 5.xxxx and the the package installer was a PIA and I got frustrated with it, uninstalled and went back to Windows. Want to try it again, but want to get a reference book that I can use to help me through any issues with installing packages and just general scripting. Going to use it on an old IBM laptop..

Appreciate your help.

https://help.ubuntu.com/

I found that solved most of my problems with ubuntu.
some other issues were solved by searching the forums.

http://www.amazon.com/Official-Ubuntu-Book-Benjamin-Mako/dp/0132435942

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/512KCEDS0FL._SS500_.jpg

That is the one put out by the Ubuntu people. It's good.

I can only give an anti-recommendation.

The Ubuntu Linux Bible by William Von Hagen. It was the book I chose to help get familiar with Ubuntu, and I was not impressed at all. The guy will spend 3 sentences on file systems and what they mean to you, and then spend 10 pages on how to use the mouse. It's obvious he's not as technical as you'd hope and/or won't convey the technical parts.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51jN%2BkrnZvL._SL500_BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_OU01_AA240_SH20_.jpg

Thanks, I will check into this stuff.

man ubuntu (the typical linux geek response) :)

Install Ubuntu Hoary Heron (or any other dirty name you can conjure).

The install process has simplified by A LOT. It's much more pleasant to use, but is a long way from being up to Windows level (for most people).

man ubuntu (the typical linux geek response) :)

RTFM....:D...

when I first tried *nix back in the newsgroup days, I had a bbs running and wanted to try to port it to *nix. that was always the response. Period, no one was ever helpful or even useful. The irony was, apparently I needed a manual to find the manual. Man pages ble(o)w donkey chunks and there were no "manuals" per se. So in order to get in, you needed an *in*...horrible experience. Things sure have changed now a days. :)



The install process has simplified by A LOT. It's much more pleasant to use, but is a long way from being up to Windows level (for most people).


Agreed, I did a test with my fiance (about as computer literate as 90% of the people out there) and she got stuck, a lot. She would have also got stuck in a windows install too, but when it came to debugging common *nix issues like wireless access cards, it becomes a royal pain.

Sys Admin Motto: rm /fr /MyLife
Back-up Motto: rm /fr /

It is actually really simple. Install requires not much knowledge at all and then just search message boards when you do run into an issue. I have not had any issues doing it this way.

RTFM....:D...

when I first tried *nix back in the newsgroup days, I had a bbs running and wanted to try to port it to *nix. that was always the response. Period, no one was ever helpful or even useful. The irony was, apparently I needed a manual to find the manual. Man pages ble(o)w donkey chunks and there were no "manuals" per se. So in order to get in, you needed an *in*...horrible experience. Things sure have changed now a days. :)



Agreed, I did a test with my fiance (about as computer literate as 90% of the people out there) and she got stuck, a lot. She would have also got stuck in a windows install too, but when it came to debugging common *nix issues like wireless access cards, it becomes a royal pain.

QFT

That kind of attitude is the very reason I gave up on trying to further my education with computers.