Press releases

"Test Driving Linux": See What Linux Is, How It Works, and What It Can Do for You

Press release: April 20, 2005

Sebastopol, CA--"It's a good idea to test drive an operating system before you switch to it full time," says Linux expert David Brickner. "The OS is at the heart of everything you do on a computer, and if you aren't comfortable with the OS, you won't be happy with your computer." In the spirit of keeping PC users content even as they explore the open road, Brickner offers the new Test Driving Linux: From Windows to Linux in 60 Seconds (O'Reilly, US $24.95).

In just one minute, readers can find themselves test driving Linux on the same Windows PCs they use every day. They can find out exactly what they'd be getting into if they switched to Linux, and they can decide, with Brickner's seasoned guidance, whether Linux performs to their expectations and suits their needs and wants. As Brickner says, "you'll learn what Linux is, how it works, what it can do for you, and what it can't."

There's no commitment and no risk when Windows users take Test Driving Linux for a spin. There is nothing to install and no stressful choices users might not be prepared to make. Linux runs directly from the CD included in the book. "When you're done, just put the CD away and go back to using Windows again. Don't count on wanting to, though," warns Brickner. "My guess is that once you take Linux for a test drive, you'll want to drive it off the lot for good."

Brickner adds, "The way I see it, there are two types of computer users in the world: those who use Linux as their desktop OS, and those who are going to." This book is for both. No prior Linux knowledge is required, though existing Linux users will become even more effective Linux users.

Test Driving Linux shows readers everything they need to get oriented with the Linux desktop. They'll use some of today's most popular, full-featured Linux programs, and have some fun learning about a new operating system. With this book/CD combo, readers can:

  • Power-surf the Internet with a secure browser that blocks pop-up ads and has tabbed browsing
  • Send and receive email without fear of viruses
  • Instant Message with friends on AOL, MSN, and Yahoo!
  • Listen to music, watch videos, and create MP3s
  • Write reports and create spreadsheets without the expense of Microsoft Office
  • Keep track of personal finances
  • Customize a desktop to suit the way an individual user likes to work
  • Fix and touch up digital photos using a free alternative to Adobe Photoshop
  • Test Driving Linux: From Windows to Linux in 60 Seconds is the perfect way to check out Linux, kick the tires, and decide if it's time to make the switch from Windows to a free, secure, and powerful open source alternative.

    Additional Resources:

    Test Driving Linux: From Windows to Linux in 60 Seconds
    David Brickner
    ISBN: 0-596-00754-X, 270 pages, $24.95 US, $34.95 CA
    order@oreilly.com
    1-800-998-9938; 1-707-827-7000

    About O’Reilly

    O’Reilly Media spreads the knowledge of innovators through its books, online services, magazines, and conferences. Since 1978, O’Reilly Media has been a chronicler and catalyst of cutting-edge development, homing in on the technology trends that really matter and spurring their adoption by amplifying “faint signals” from the alpha geeks who are creating the future. An active participant in the technology community, the company has a long history of advocacy, meme-making, and evangelism.

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