SEUL: Books!

[Micah Yoder <lyoder@cyberis.net>]

We need some more cool Linux books.  If you've been to a bookstore
recently, you'll know that there are a number of books on installing,
using, and configuring Linux.  But there's little about the hundreds of
cool programs available for it!

Would it be appropriate in this project to have a sub group to focus on
creating end user (and maybe even professional developer) books that
talk about all Linux can do?  How about (proposed title followed by list
of sections in the book):

_Cool Computer Graphics using Linux and Free Software_ 
  * General introduction to computer graphics...file types, graphics
modes, printing, general graphics viewers for Linux
  * The Gimp...step by step instructions, probably by far the biggest
section of the book
  * 3D modelers...(I just downloaded Moonlight Modeler last night...:-))
an introduction to modeling and step by step instructions for one or
more programs
  * Povray...an introduction to raytracing, lots of samples, and an easy
to understand description of the Povray language (at least the basic
parts)
  * Fractals...(I know nothing about fractal programs in Linux but I
think they exist)...describe fractals, instructions
  * (Possibly) Programming with Graphics...an introduction to the Gimp
plug-in API, imlib, whatever else...do some C and/or Guile stuff...

_The High-Tech House: Maximizing your Computer Investment with Linux and
Free Software_ :
  * Setting up X-Terminals...how to get 10 computers for a little more
than the cost of 1!
  * IP Masquerading...letting every computer in your home or office use
the same ISP connection
  * (Possilby) Using Linux to control other devices...all the way to
including schematics and programming instructions...:-)
  * What else would fit here???????

_Exploring the Universe with Linux and free Software_
  * Sections about the different science/astronomy programs available
for Linux
  * Same for math programs, other interesting but useful educational
stuff

These books should include a CD with all applicable software, but NOT a
Linux distribution or instructions on installing Linux (as almost all
Linux books do).  Assume they already have that.

It seems like if there were cool-looking books about this stuff that
were easily accessible, people would take more of an interest in Linux. 
And if we came up with something good, it shouldn't be too hard to get
it published.  We might even make some money... (oh horrors!  I said the
M word!!!)

I'd be interested in working on some of this if other people are...

-- 
Linux: Everything else is just a toy!
http://www.geocities.com/TheTropics/Shores/2359