Starting with the preface in the book, the author states, Irote this book so that a total non-geek, such as my mother could use a standard Linux distribution without much in the way of grief and pain. I kept the author's comment in mind as I read the book, trying to think of how this book could have been beneficial to me when I had first installed Linux on my machines

The book starts off by explaining what Linux is, why someone may want to switch to Linux, and why the author chose to use Fedora Core 1 over other Linux distros for the installation process. From there, the author gets into a good step by step installation of Fedora, complete with pictures. The process was explained well enough that a complete beginner could follow along quite easily.

Once the computer is set up and running Fedora, the book gets into customizing the PC to the user preferences. The author did get into some of the different desktops, however, he tended to focus on using the Gnome desktop. Regardless of the author's coice of desktops, the instructions to customize the Gnome desktop were clear, step by step, and concise.

Beginning computer users who have no idea how to do anything on a Windows system, let alone a Linux system, will chapters three through twelve. These chapters cover the basics of how to get onto the Internet, how to set up a printer, how to work with floppies and CD's, different ways to download and install new programs, as well as some of the basics of using the command line.

The chapter on the command line alone is well worth reading for any person new to Linux. Though not a complete reference, the commands outlined in the chapter are the most common ones a new user will need. Each command comes with a simple explanation of its use as well as some great examples, which are also very well explained.

Once the user sets up their computer and peripherals according to the book, they progress on into the more fun things to do with Linux. The chapter on music in Linux does a great job in showing a user how to set up the different music player programs they may want to use. In addition, the chapter does get into ripping CD's.

Another fun thing to do with Linux is graphics. The book has a chapter dedicated to showing the new user how to use Gimp for drawings or photos. In addition, optional labs include being able to make your own icons as well as setting up your digital camera.

Towards the end of the book, the author gets into the more nuts and bolts of Linux. Starting with a writeup of the different office type of applications, the book also gets into some very basic systems administration stuff as well as having a chapter on some basic troubleshooting. Finally, the book closes with a listing of different websites which offers Linux related assistance for new users.

Anyone who has set up or used Linux before would find this book to be a bit too basic.

Any person who has set up a few Windows machines before would find this book to be an interesting one to read. However, if you are a new user who is intimidated by the thought of even loading Windows onto a PC, let alone, Linux, then this book is for you. The author offered very clear, concise, step by step instructions in how to do the hands on portion of the book . Though you may not be a Linux expert after reading the book and doing the hands on work, you will have learned enough to be able to maneuver around your new system and maybe experiment a little. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has never seen Linux before but would like to migrate away from Windows. Linux for Non-Geeks is well worth the time for a newbie to read.