Ubuntu on a Dime - The Path to Low-Cost Computing is a excellent book for anyone looking for easy to follow instructions on how to build your own computer and install software for typical home or small business use for just US$200. Even considering that the $200 doesn't include a monitor, keyboard or mouse, that is still impressive! The author, James Kelly, spends just thirty 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 chosing a motherboard with integrated sound and video, but that is exactly what you'll find in the standard corporate office PC. My only concern with this chapter is that the author uses a PATA rather than a SATA hard drive with a shared IDE cable for the hard drive and CD/DVD drive and omits any discussion of Master/Slave settings. I would have recommend purchasing a SATA hard drive to avoid this complication.



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. He defines in chapter 3 what he means by "free software" and covers the costs associated with four different means of obtaining software (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 the web through a browser, to complete common computing tasks.



In chapter 4, email using Evolution is covered and word processing, spreadsheets and presentations using the Open Office 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 set up 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 for this 280 page book, 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 on-line resources to extend your use of your excellent hand-built investment.



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.

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