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Ubuntu Hacks

A valuable addition to Ubuntu literature, Ubuntu Hacks shows how to do some fancy things with what has become the most popular Linux distro for desktop users. The lead author, Jonathon Oxer, is an Australian Linux expert.

This is not a simplified, hand-holding collection of solutions for novices. Even though the early hacks don't assume any experience of Linux, readers are expected to be computer literate, know their way around an operating system, and be familiar with the command line. Ubuntu Hacks is a resource "for exploring, using, and tuning
Linux" (as suggested by the tuning fork illustration on the book's cover); it is not an easy entry to learning Linux.

Experienced Windows users who want to migrate to Linux and be able to run some Windows applications, or develop ways of softening the transition for users on a network, will find much of value. There are some very good books about Win2Lin migration; this one adds a particularly practical dimension to such an exercise.

The hacks — there are 100 — are collected together in chapters that range from Getting Started (installation, a brief guide to the command line, and using applications) through topics such as desktop options, multimedia, Ubuntu on laptops, package management, administration, and setting up an Ubuntu server. Each hack is a concise, stand-alone item and many are supported by useful screen shots, example command line input, and sources of further information.

There is a limit on just how much information can be provided in a hundred "how-to"s; this collection of hacks is quite astounding in the breadth of topics that are included and the depth of technical discussions. As one expects of an O'Reilly title, the writing is clear without compromising the book's technical integrity, and the content is well organised. Great value.

Bookshops should have Ubuntu Hacks in stock, or it can be obtained from the Australian distributor at http://www.woodslane.com.au.
 

The GIMP

The GNU Image Manipulation Program is commonly known as 'The GIMP'; I have not found any explanation for inclusion of the definite article, but this open source answer to proprietary image manipulation programs is well established as the GIMP. It was first developed in 1995 for Linux/Unix and has been ported to Windows and
Mac. Like many open source projects the GIMP was written, and has since been developed and maintained, by volunteers.

Documentation can be downloaded (a Web search on GIMP will provide the links), but there's no substitute for a real manual. Apress has released Beginning GIMP, which is a thorough and comprehensive user manual that includes discussions of concepts used in image manipulation applications.

For example, a chapter—Introduction to Layers—explains what a layer is and how layers are used for various purposes. This is not simply a how-to book, but provides the user with understanding of the many aspects of image manipulation. Plug-ins and scripting facilities are a feature of image manipulation software; the book discusses the GIMP's library of plug-ins, and provides a detailed tutorial on scripting.

The book is in full colour and makes generous use of example images to support the text. Appendices cover installation on Linux, Windows, and Mac platforms. There is also plenty of information about on-line documentation and tutorials, and mailing lists (one of which is specifically for Windows users). Beginning GIMP will take you through from novice user to professional-level image manipulation.

Apart from the excellent index and detailed table of contents, readers can use the Apress Superindex; it is an online search tool that provides access to the entire Apress library, and is free to use.
 

Reprinted from the November 2006 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia

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