Exploring the JDS Linux Desktop

The Java Desktop System ™, from Sun Microsystems, is a modern system for all kinds of users, novice through expert. As an unusually robust, well-integrated desktop system, it may become the first to fulfill the promise of mass adoption for open source.

JDS brings Linux and other open source software up to a level of usability that makes them suitable for the enormous base of Personal Computer users including office workers, students, mobile and home users. It behaves pretty much the way a Windows or Mac user would expect, but with many more powerful features. JDS has seen widespread adoption in the United States, Britain, China, and elsewhere.

This book is the ideal guide to JDS: it is clear and direct, but loaded with insights from authors who have spent time working with, supporting, and enhancing the system. Tom Adelstein is an award winning polymath system designer; Sam Hiser is a respected business consultant with an itch that led him to become the marketing project lead for OpenOffice.org. Both are advocates for open source and founders of the Open Government Interoperability Project, members of the Open Source Software Institute and contributors to the JDShelp.org project.

This book carefully covers such housekeeping chores as setting up networking, updates, and backups. Then it enters into great depth concerning the key productivity tools every user needs: email, web browsing, instant messaging, word processing, spreadsheets, and slide presentations.

A number of chapters and appendices concerning useful tools, including things you can add to your system, rounds out this remarkably useful book. It has plenty to offer the new user as well as the seasoned Linux professional.

Linux, and its cocky attitude that users should control the means of computing, is gaining coverts daily in the ranks of those very users. However, many of those laboring under the lash of proprietary systems are still hesitant to break free to a utopia where point-and-click is not always the effortless option. Sun Microsystem has come up with a compromise, a Java Desktop System (JDS) that smells a lot like the most popular desktop systems in that it comes stocked with a larder of software compatibility, security, and company support. Using the directions here will allow even newcomers to set up their own lives in regards to networking, maintenance, Internet applications, and open source word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software, including a PDF creator. The live CD included allows potential fellow travelers to try out JDS without necessarily switching allegiances. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Tom Adelstein works as a technical analyst writer for a large international publishing company headquartered in Texas. He became a young author in 1985 and has written prolifically ever since. Tom's career began as a CPA and progressed into investment banking where he excelled by using computer technology to help his companies become industry leaders. In 1993, he decided to change careers and pursue information technology. He says he chose to follow his heart instead of his head.

Sam Hiser is Vice President & Director Business Affairs at the OpenDocument Foundation, Inc. He was advisor to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Information Technology Division on its pilot of OpenDocument-ready software this year. Hiser also blogs at www.PlexNex.com.