Test Driving Linux is a good way to introduce yourself or someone else to the Linux operating system. With simple and easy to follow instructions, the author demonstrates nearly everything an average desktop user would need to become functional using the KDE desktop.

This book is a concise, thirteen chapter guide to doing nearly everything in Linux with KDE that an average Windows user would do on Windows. The author will guide a reader through the basic use of the KDE desktop environment, browsing the web, playing games, playing music and video files, using email and organizer, and Instant Messaging. Portions touch upon using alternative productivity and web page design software such as OpenOffice and Nvu. The final chapters consist of a brief introduction to other open source software such as The GIMP, and some basic pointers and resources to help select a Linux distribution for more permanent use. The book does not include any instructions for installing Linux on a computer.

The Good:

No excuse for not at least looking at what KDE and Linux has to offer.

The Bad:

A potential Linux switcher must look elsewhere for help taking the next step.