| Ubuntu book updated for the Jackalope |
Jul. 23, 2009
 Prentice Hall has published the fourth edition of The Official Ubuntu Book, covering the latest Ubuntu 9.04 release. As with previous versions, the fourth edition aims to bring new users up to speed on the popular Linux distro, from installation to configuration to exploring Ubuntu's applications.
Authored by Benjamin Mako Hill, Corey Burger, and newcomer Matthew Helmke, The Official Ubuntu Book, Fourth Edition is also said to be "written with" previous authors Jono Bacon, Jonathan Jesse, and Ivan Krstic. As with the first edition, which was published in 2006, the book includes a forward by Canonical founder Mark Shuttleworth.
The Official Ubuntu Book,
Fourth Edition |
The book steps users through Ubuntu 9.04 ("Jaunty Jackalope") installation, configuration, management, and support issues, says the publisher. It also introduces users to Ubuntu's applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, web browsing, email, instant messaging, music, video, and games. Advanced topics are said to include software development, databases, and server applications.
The fourth edition also covers spin-offs including Edubuntu, Kubuntu, and Ubuntu Server, says the publishers. A DVD is said to provide a complete, preconfigured version of Ubuntu Linux.
Other specific topics included in The Official Ubuntu Book, Fourth Edition are said to include:- Customizing Ubuntu for home, small business, school, government, and enterprise environments
- Updating Ubuntu to accommodate new versions and new applications
- Finding the latest troubleshooting advice from Ubuntu users worldwide
- Installing and administering Ubuntu Server, including LVM and RAID implementations
- Using the Ubuntu user forum
So far, we have seen only one review of the book, which received a host of rave reviews for the third edition. On A Million Chimpanzees, James Pyles offers a fairly thorough summary, praising the book for its application and troubleshooting chapters and knocking a few details such as its scant information on wireless card troubleshooting and its "snooze" of an introduction. All in all, he calls it a "worthy update," and while reminding potential buyers that it's not for veteran users, he notes that it will take beginners "into some interesting areas other books might not touch on."
Availability
All 512 pages of Prentice Hall's The Official Ubuntu Book, Fourth Edition are available for $35, although Amazon currently has it at $23. Other sources, which display the table of contents, include InformIT and Safari Books Online.
The review on A Million Chimpanzees may be found here.
-- Eric Brown
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