The Joy of Linux

The Joy of Linux, by Michael Hall and Brian Proffitt, isn't so much a technical discussion of Linux as much as it's a focused look into the community and culture behind it. In a continuously witty and upbeat style, the book begins with one of the authors learning how to install a digital camera in Linux. Sure it took unimaginably longer to do in Linux than it would have in an officially supported Windows environment, but human capital and the number of friends the author has increased as a result. Beyond the joy Linux hackers experience in learning a new programming language, the book delves into topics such as Free and Open Source software, corporate acceptance, choice, and more than anything else the community of users willing to help each others out. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know what long time Linux users enjoy about their favorite OS. As someone who has used Linux for some time now, I found The Joy of Linux an easy going and refreshing read.