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Ubuntu on a Dime
AussieNeil writes "If IBM had adopted Unix for its Personal Computer and supported open source so *nix desktops were the now the norm, how hard would it be to convince the population to switch to Microsoft Windows? In Ubuntu on a Dime — The Path to Low-Cost Computing, James Kelly shows how easy it is to build a computer and install a complete software suite for US$200 excluding monitor, keyboard, and mouse. You can't even buy the operating system and anti-malware protection for Microsoft Windows for that, let alone have any money left over for hardware and productivity software! Then when you install the software, you have the paradigm of having to restart the computer to complete software installation and you have to learn how to practice safe computing while budgeting for annual anti-malware software license renewals!" Read on for the rest of AussieNeil's review.
Ubuntu on a Dime
author
James Floyd Kelly
pages
280
publisher
Apress
rating
9/10
reviewer
AussieNeil
ISBN
1-4302-1972-6
summary
takes you on a tour of the very best, but low-cost hardware, while only using zero-cost software in each of the many categories that matter to the typical PC user.
Alternate histories aside, Ubuntu on a Dime is a tribute both to the skills of the author and to the decades of effort by those that have developed user friendly software and hardware, so that this 280-page book gives anyone with a reasonable level of self-confidence the recipe to build their own computer, install all the software needed for common activities, and quickly become productive.
James Kelly, spends just 30 pages in the first chapter explaining how to purchase the required computer parts and assemble a Ubuntu PC or "U-PC" computer and does it in a relaxed, easy-to-follow style. Mind, the task is simplified by choosing a motherboard with integrated sound and video, but that is exactly what you'll find in the standard corporate office PC. (Personally, I would have recommend purchasing a SATA hard drive to avoid the not-touched-on master/slave complications of using a shared IDE cable for the hard drive and CD/DVD drive.) The book is illustrated throughout with frequent, excellent screen shots as the author steps you through hardware assembly, then operating system and application installation, configuration, and use.
In chapter 2, the author explains how to install the Ubuntu operating system and keep it updated. Wisely, he has chosen the Long Term Supported 8.04 version, but has omitted mention of the different Ubuntu support periods. He has also missed an opportunity here to expand on the growing list of Ubuntu variants, in particular Kubuntu, which I would see as an easier migration choice for those familiar with Microsoft Windows.
Chapter 3 is dedicated to a definition of what the author means by "free software" and covers the costs (including the relevant security risk costs) associated with the four software categories; Pay-to-Use, Open Source, Cloud Computing, and Freeware. The remaining 9 chapters look at how to use free software — software either included in the default Ubuntu installation, or available via cloud computing — to complete common computing tasks.
In chapter 4, email using Evolution is covered and word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations using the OpenOffice.org suite is covered in chapters 5 to 7. The Cloud Computing Google Docs Office Suite alternative, with the advantages of everywhere access to your documents and collaborative working is covered in chapter 11. Web browsing using Firefox is covered in chapter 9, with most of the chapter dedicated to finding and installing useful add-ons. Google gets another couple of chapters when photo management with Picasa is covered in chapter 8 and Google Email and Calendar configuration and use are explained in chapter 10. The last chapter looks at a few other useful applications found in Ubuntu: Calculator, Text Editor, Notes, Disk Burning, Movie Playing, and Music Playing. The three appendices cover the computer parts list, three ways to obtain an installation disk for Ubuntu, and finally a bibliography of web sites, books, and must-have apps so you can extend the use of your new Ubuntu PC. The 9-page index is fairly comprehensive, considering the wealth of illustrations throughout the book.
I liked this book because it covered tasks seen daunting by many (PC building, operating system and software installation, configuration, and upgrading) in an light, easy-to-follow manner, supported with excellent illustrations. Further, the author covers a lot of ground without overwhelming the reader, taking you to a level where you can start using your computer productively and showing you how to use help files and online resources to extend your use of your excellent hand-built investment. While extolling the benefits of open source software, he hasn't labored the point. Vendor lock-in costs associated with proprietary office suites aren't mentioned, nor are the lower security risks associated with open source usage.
If you are looking for a way to reduce your computing costs, or know someone that would appreciate a gift that can help them achieve this, then Ubuntu on a Dime is well worth considering — particularly for anyone that gets satisfaction from learning via do-it-yourself.
You can purchase Ubuntu on a Dime: The Path to Low-Cost Computing from amazon.com. Slashdot welcomes readers' book reviews. To see your own review here, read the book review guidelines, then visit the submission page.
James Kelly, spends just 30 pages in the first chapter explaining how to purchase the required computer parts and assemble a Ubuntu PC or "U-PC" computer and does it in a relaxed, easy-to-follow style. Mind, the task is simplified by choosing a motherboard with integrated sound and video, but that is exactly what you'll find in the standard corporate office PC. (Personally, I would have recommend purchasing a SATA hard drive to avoid the not-touched-on master/slave complications of using a shared IDE cable for the hard drive and CD/DVD drive.) The book is illustrated throughout with frequent, excellent screen shots as the author steps you through hardware assembly, then operating system and application installation, configuration, and use.
In chapter 2, the author explains how to install the Ubuntu operating system and keep it updated. Wisely, he has chosen the Long Term Supported 8.04 version, but has omitted mention of the different Ubuntu support periods. He has also missed an opportunity here to expand on the growing list of Ubuntu variants, in particular Kubuntu, which I would see as an easier migration choice for those familiar with Microsoft Windows.
Chapter 3 is dedicated to a definition of what the author means by "free software" and covers the costs (including the relevant security risk costs) associated with the four software categories; Pay-to-Use, Open Source, Cloud Computing, and Freeware. The remaining 9 chapters look at how to use free software — software either included in the default Ubuntu installation, or available via cloud computing — to complete common computing tasks.
In chapter 4, email using Evolution is covered and word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations using the OpenOffice.org suite is covered in chapters 5 to 7. The Cloud Computing Google Docs Office Suite alternative, with the advantages of everywhere access to your documents and collaborative working is covered in chapter 11. Web browsing using Firefox is covered in chapter 9, with most of the chapter dedicated to finding and installing useful add-ons. Google gets another couple of chapters when photo management with Picasa is covered in chapter 8 and Google Email and Calendar configuration and use are explained in chapter 10. The last chapter looks at a few other useful applications found in Ubuntu: Calculator, Text Editor, Notes, Disk Burning, Movie Playing, and Music Playing. The three appendices cover the computer parts list, three ways to obtain an installation disk for Ubuntu, and finally a bibliography of web sites, books, and must-have apps so you can extend the use of your new Ubuntu PC. The 9-page index is fairly comprehensive, considering the wealth of illustrations throughout the book.
I liked this book because it covered tasks seen daunting by many (PC building, operating system and software installation, configuration, and upgrading) in an light, easy-to-follow manner, supported with excellent illustrations. Further, the author covers a lot of ground without overwhelming the reader, taking you to a level where you can start using your computer productively and showing you how to use help files and online resources to extend your use of your excellent hand-built investment. While extolling the benefits of open source software, he hasn't labored the point. Vendor lock-in costs associated with proprietary office suites aren't mentioned, nor are the lower security risks associated with open source usage.
If you are looking for a way to reduce your computing costs, or know someone that would appreciate a gift that can help them achieve this, then Ubuntu on a Dime is well worth considering — particularly for anyone that gets satisfaction from learning via do-it-yourself.
You can purchase Ubuntu on a Dime: The Path to Low-Cost Computing from amazon.com. Slashdot welcomes readers' book reviews. To see your own review here, read the book review guidelines, then visit the submission page.
Unix wouldn't run on the original IBM PC, nor with any other cheap processor they might have instead of the Intel one.
So given the IBM PC could only run lame program loaders in lieu of an actual operating system, we got what we got.
... after you buy the $25 book, that is. Anyone know if there's an open source "Ubuntu On a Dime on a Dime"?
Want to improve your Karma? Instead of "Post Anonymously", try the "Post Humously" option.
I can buy OEM copies for significantly cheaper than that. Anti-virus/malware protection is a free download from Microsoft.
I use what works for me, leaving dogma aside.
Gone!
Building a PC from scratch? What FOSS is? How to use Ubuntu?
I'm sorry, this doesn't sound like a particularly good book for *anyone*
I find it interesting how they add the cost of anti-malware not only once, but also say that you need to have ongoing license renewals in the yearly budget. Not only is Microsoft's own anti-malware completely free, there are other free options such as Avast and AVG as well. So technically, yes, you COULD pay for Symantec or McAfee, but adding the cost in as though it's the ONLY choice is disingenuous at best.
"Then when you install the software, you have the paradigm of having to restart the computer to complete software installation and you have to learn how to practice safe computing while budgeting for annual anti-malware software license renewals!"
Every time Ubuntu updates it asks me to reboot the machine, yet in Win7 I can update video card drivers and not have to restart. I'm not sure why you're claiming the opposite is true. Both systems require restarts for certain updates, but these days Win7 has Ubuntu beat in this area, hands down. Also there is no need to budget for annual anti-malware tools, because you can get many free AV suites. MS even offers one now, that tests better than the paid programs.
build a computer and install a complete software suite for US$200 excluding monitor, keyboard, and mouse. You can't even buy the operating system and anti-malware protection for Microsoft Windows for that
Permit me to introduce the Acer Aspire REVO. The base model (R1600-U910H - 1 GB RAM - 1.6 GHz - 160 GB HDD) can be had for $199.99 or less, and includes keyboard, mouse and Windows XP. Of course, I'm planning to install XBMC.
Nothing for 6-digit uids?
it wouldn't have been UNIX as you know it. The 8088 didn't have privilege levels, so essentially everything would run as root.
that's funny because back when Microsoft software became ubiquitous on PC, there was "command line" required.
You can't even buy the operating system and anti-malware protection for Microsoft Windows for that, let alone have any money left over for hardware and productivity software!
Not true.
Then when you install the software, you have the paradigm of having to restart the computer to complete software installation and you have to learn how to practice safe computing while budgeting for annual anti-malware software license renewals!"
So you're saying people who use Ubuntu don't need to practice safe computing? That's great news! Next time I get an email from a Nigerian prince, I'll make sure I send him my account information with pine instead of Outlook, so then I'll be safe.
...Apple had licensed it's operating system to computer manufacturers like Windows did. While Windows wasn't "open source", it was certainly made more openly available. Bill Gates was just smarter at the time than Steve Jobs. You could play the what if game all day long with all sorts of scenarios.
How is that funny?
If I say you'll have no success trying to sell a car that doesn't go over 20 MPH, is it funny because 100 years ago no cars went over 20 MPH?
It's BETA software and it gets updates almost every single day.
And yet even with running BETA software and pulling patches down almost every day I am NOT rebooting the system as you claim.
No way you could run Ubuntu on a dime. Dimes have no cpu, no video card, no ram. And where would you insert the liveCD?
If you can read this, I forgot to post anonymously.
Many games have what amounts to a command line. I would say that a good amount of people would have no problem using a command line interface IF they knew its uses.
Don't know something? Look it up. Still don't know? Then ask.
We've asked you politely to stop posting here Mr. Balmer.
That would be when you posted this:
Note your usage or "Every time" in that statement.
I pointed out that Lucid Lynx is receiving updates almost every day. Therefore, by your original statement, I should be rebooting it almost every day.
That is not my experience. And that is with BETA software.
I could run BeOS for free. And on today's machines, it would play the fastest game of Tetris ever.
Jokes aside, who considers the price of the OS the primary issue? Way to miss the point. The primary issue is "does this OS run the applications I want to run".
I encounter naive Linux desktop converts occasionally. And no, that's not to suggest all Linux desktop converts are naive. It's very frustrating to hear them pontificate about their latest install Ubuntu Malodorous Moose, and then on the other hand ask "what's the Linux equivalent of [some Windows application]?" every two days.
If it doesn't run the applications I need to run, you could give me the OS for free and it still won't run them.
Throwing in red herrings about what certain security apps cost when there are free alternatives for Windows is pretty disingenuous as well.
No disrespect intended, but that's really flamebait. Let's play.
Frustration with overly technical administrative requirements is a cost.
The whole point of this book is to reduce those requirements by explaining things. As stated in the review, it's apparently easy to follow.
Having to ask other people how to do stuff all the time is a cost.
So is a phone call to tech support, where you get told the stereotypical useless answer by a script-reader making slightly more than minimum wage. Posting a message on a forum, where you can get advice from a few dozen fellow users is more "bang for the buck", so to speak.
Listening to overbearing geeks tell you how easy things you can't figure out are, is a cost.
So is having to tell the tech support script-reader that your computer is really plugged in, you did push the right button, and the mouse is not being used as a foot pedal. There's remarkably few arrogant helpers like that, and they usually get chewed out by the benevolent ones.
Having to find and download "free" software to do stuff MS users get with their machines, and then finding out it isn't quite the same, is a cost.
Things included with Windows generally come installed in Ubuntu. Installation is two mouse clicks and typing one word, where Windows installations usually require serial numbers, a drive to the store, and other costs you conveniently ignore. Expecting everything to be in the exact same place after replacing a core component of you computer is a ridiculous requirement.
Not being able to easily exchange docs and pictures with your nieces and nephews is a cost.
If you're having problems running a basic email client, or even opening a file in OpenOffice, perhaps you shouldn't be using a computer in the first place. Maybe now is also a good time to mention the joyous pain of Microsoft Office's ever-changing file formats. Have you forgotten 2007 already?
Do I need to go on?
Nope. You've made your knowledge of the subject fully evident. Thanks for playing correct-a-troll, and have a nice day.
You do not have a moral or legal right to do absolutely anything you want.
I'd love to, but it's not 2011 yet.
I know a lot of people will argue, seeing as we've been using zeros for a while now, but conventionally, the 21st century started on January 1st, 2001. Therefore the 21.1st century should start on January 1st, 2011.
How is this a book review? It is a chapter-by-chapter summary followed by a one-liner that the guy likes the book. How about slashvertisement for a change??
And how about a real book review, and how about reviewing books that are great and books that are terrible if you are going to have a whole section on it? Not that this is Barnes and Noble, but it doesn't make sense if you are only posting positive summaries of books every now and then.
Microsoft receives the brunt of the viruses because that is what people use.
Or because commonly used software released in the Windows 98 and Windows XP eras expected to run with the privileges of the Administrators group. So home installations of Windows were less secure against unauthorized software changes than Linux until Microsoft copied the basic idea behind sudo in Windows Vista, encouraging new versions of apps to separate user- and administrator-level tasks.
You're going to cite one specific Microtek scanner? Really?
What percentage of scanners manufactured in the past 10 years work today in Windows 7?
I wager a higher percentage is supported in Linux.
http://blindscribblings.com - Tasty pop-culture in conceptual fashion.
My sister runs Ubuntu. She neither knows how to do either of those tasks nor ever has had to. She gets a good IP address at boot by DHCP from our router, just as she would if she were running Windows. As far as updating drivers, the only driver she has to worry about is the proprietary nVidia driver for her graphics card, and Ubuntu takes care of that for her whenever there's a kernel update. It Just Works.
Me, I prefer Fedora. I also an nVidia card, but with Fedora, I use kmod-nvidia (and the akmod as well) meaning that I never have to worry about updating drivers either. Nice try, but your FUD fell flat.
Good, inexpensive web hosting
The sysadmin to go with it.
Ubuntu is all well and good until you need something that is not covered by its package manager. It's all well and good until some piece of hardware only has limited support via some hack.
The problem with Linux is that even with all the advancements, it's still a fragmented platform that only works properly if you stay within it's narrow selection of hardware that is known to work.
BeauHD. Worst editor since kdawson.