Everyone that knows me will know that I use and advocate Linux, and Ubuntu is my preferred 'flavour' of Linux due to its uncluttered ease of use and Free Software philosophy. This means that it is Free as in speech, whereby all the source code is available to be studied and improved by everyone, and it is also Free as in price - they will even ship the CD to you free of charge.

But until now there wasn't a manual or book geared up specifically for Ubuntu. Other Linux books are appropriate but for the new user, a book was needed that showed and described Ubuntu exactly. After lots of waiting, such a book has now been released, Apress's Beginning Ubuntu Linux: From Novice to Professional.

The book is 574 well researched and structured pages and covers everything you need to know to get started. Even if you are not a new user, there is plenty to improve your understanding of even more complicated aspects such as the commandline, if you're inclined to really harness the power underneath the skin.

There are chapters on some of the applications that come with Ubuntu, such as OpenOffice, the GIMP, and details of how to scan, print, and manage the system. Lots of the content is geared towards people switching away from Windows, such as the inclusion of lists of equivalent programs and procedures.

Highly recommended - and under 20 quid which is pretty good for a computer book like this. Order a copy today with free delivery!