If you can imagine something you'd like your computer to do, you can probably do it with versatile, economical, powerful Linux. Here's how to tap that power, from installation to Linux desktop environments to getting things done.

The accompanying CD-ROM gives you everything you need to get started, and with the dual boot option, you don't even have to give up the familiar comfort of Windows in order to try it out. What are you waiting for?

MSDN Magazine is a developers' guide to Microsoft tools, development environments, and technologies for Windows and the Web. It provides technical experts with real-world solutions, business applications for new technology, and first looks at the latest products. MSDN Magazine covers all development angles including distributed computing, Web development, and Windows application development.

The focus of MSDN Magazine is to generate creative and accurate content on using Microsoft development technologies across the entire spectrum of desktop to enterprise and .NET applications.

With plenty of features on the latest high-tech cars, tools, sports gear, and military developments, Popular Mechanics is the source for discriminating gadget heads. Full-page ads for spark plugs, extrastrong glues, and manly cigarettes fuel the magazine's testosterone engine, and many of the how-to articles are designed to help today's male achieve maximum speed, efficiency, and style in his leisure activities.

In-depth articles on the history of the baseball glove, comparison tests of mulching mowers, and a list of the cables you'll need to build a home network join brief news bites covering science, outdoors, and home improvement. With a copy of Popular Mechanics and a fat wallet, you could be the alpha male you've always wanted to be!

Publication aimed at people who know that technology rocks. This is for people who gets their kicks upgrading graphics cards, smashing benchmarks, and working with wireless gadgets and fast Internet service. Includes honest reviews, useful tips, and commentary from world-class computing experts.