Rating: 

The author David Brickner has it right. Linux is ready for prime time and users want to know what can be done with it and how to use it without committing the software to their computer. Covering the KDE desktop environment, bridging the void between the paperweight known as a computer and the delicious treats of the operating system known as Linux, the author strikes an excellent balance between users who just want to use their computer and those that 'always' use their computers. The focus on the KDE desktop is perfect for the first time user of Linux and probably even their first computer, without talking down to the reader. All of the major functions of the most popular desktop applications for KDE (the desktop environment) and personal / small office productivity is covered in practical yet easy to understand language that anyone can follow. He navigates beyond the initial presentation and use screens into the configurations and setups without getting lost or bored. With this book and the enclosed software, or any KDE desktop environment, the reader should not be lost or lacking for things to do with their computer. The ease of use of the KDE desktop it amply demonstrated. The power of Linux is left for future investigation by other authors.

I like the pace. I like the content. I like the navigational photographs. I like the style. If the included software would have loaded on my old Dell laptop without a video issue this could have been a home run. I'm sure it would load on most laptops without a problem. However, this forced using it on my desktop PC which I might add, with no problems. Since the included software is almost integral to test driving Linux, I have to demerit from what would have been a perfect score. Anyone wishing to test drive Linux and the graphical desktop environment known as KDE, this book is the way to go, with David Brickner as a tour guide, IMHO. I give it 4.7 out of 5 Tux bow-ties.