New book gets novices up & running with ease

Sick of rebooting Windows and fighting bugs and viruses? Interested in trying Linux, but too intimidated to go it
alone? For Linux newbies, “Linux Made Easy: The Official Guide to Xandros 3 for Everyday Users” (No Starch Press) takes the uncertainty out of switching operating systems.

Author Rickford Grant (”Linux For Non-Geeks”) has a nack for introducing the uninitiated to Linux in clear, understandable language, and “Linux Made Easy” - with its companion CD of the Xandros Open Circulation OS - is a complete, hassle-free package that will have readers using Linux in no time. The book is notable, too, for the way it helps readers get comfortable and gain confidence using Linux by walking them through projects with real value, such as setting up the system for MP3 encoding or installing fonts. The book also helps readers get the most out of their Linux system once it’s set up by familiarizing them and helping them work their peripherals and the numerous applications that come with the system.

Based on Xandros 3 for the desktop, arguably the most user-friendly version of Linux available today, “Linux Made Easy” is a hands-on, step-by-step, project-based guide that makes it easier than ever for novices to join the world of Linux. Author Grant deliberately concentrates on the subjects most newbies care about: installation; using the Internet; playing CDs; working with digital cameras and photos; playing games; downloading software; synching PDAs; printing; and making Internet phone calls. Those who purchase “Linux Made Easy” also receive a coupon good for 120 free minutes using Skype, the Internet-based phone service, to call regular, non-Skype phone numbers, which ordinarily require a fee.

“['Linux Made Easy'] should be required reading for anyone looking to take advantage of all the features of Xandros Desktop 3… lots of tips & tricks you won’t find anywhere else,” said Jason Perlow, Linux Magazine.

“Linux Made Easy” is the first product of an agreement announced earlier this year between Xandros, the leading developer of easy-to-use Linux solutions, and No Starch Press, which will create official books on the Xandros line of Linux-based desktop and server products.

“Regardless of experience level, readers of ‘Linux Made Easy’ will no longer have any reasons not to dump Windows in favor of Linux,” said Bill Pollock, founder of No Starch Press. “The book includes everything they need to get started - Xandros on CD - plus the added bonus of a SkypeOut coupon. It’s the perfect opportunity to escape the beast from Redmond.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; July 21, 2005; No Starch Press Media Release