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How Linux Works describes the inside of the Linux system for systems administrators, whether you maintain an extensive network in the office or one Linux box at home. Some books try to give you copy- and-paste instructions for how to deal with every single system issue that may arise, but How Linux Works actually shows you how the Linux system functions so that you can come up with your own solutions. After a guided tour of filesystems, the boot sequence, system management basics, and networking, author Brian Ward delves into open-ended topics such as development tools, custom kernels, and buying hardware, all from an administrator's point of view. With a mixture of background theory and real-world examples, this book shows both "how" to administer Linux, and "why" each particular technique works, so that you will know how to make Linux work for you.
Would you recommend the product? yes | Price you paid?: $25.00 | Rating: 10
Pros:
Points out everything that is essential to have a true Linux System
Cons:
More of a Guide that Orients you to Information than Giving the Information itself. No coverage of X Windows
This is by far the best Linux Book I've ever come across. It points out everything that is needed to have a true, minimal Linux System.
No proprietary software or ways of doing things- this book uses 100% standard Linux/UNIX software and only works with the essentials of the core system.
Covers (by Chapter):
Basic Commands - This is what set me off into the Linux World. Nicely detailed (with the exception of the "tr" command)
Devices, Disks, Filesystems, and the Kernel- Very informational. I frequently refer to this when working with devices
How Linux Boots - Nicely points out what programs take over and how services load up during runlevel changes
Essential System Files, Servers, and Utilities - Just as the name says, this chapter covers the "Must-Haves" not covered in earlier chapters along with some "Should-Haves" just has crond
Configuring your Network
Network services
Introduction to Shell Scripts
Development Tools - Basic usage of gcc, make, autoconf, and imake
Compiling Software from Source Code
Maintaining the Kernel
Configuring and Manipulating Devices
Printing
Backups
Sharing Files with Samba
Network File Transfer
User Enviroments
Buying Hardware for Linux
Further Directions
This book is GREAT!
******PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING**********
This book uses a "This is what you need to know, this is what it does, this is why you need it" approach. While it gives you enough info to get started, many times it uses the "This is what you need to know, go fetch" method of sending you out to do your own research. This is not necessarily a bad thing. This book can only cram so much in 350+ Pages. I suggest reading this book in conjunction with the man/info pages and www.Wikipedia.com . I happen to like this approach, you might not. Regardless, whatever information this book DOES contain is priceless
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Would you recommend the product? yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 10
Pros:
I wish this was my first linux book
Cons:
none
I wish this was my first linux book. It's distro independent and shows you the basics. Like any book, it can only show so much. It shows a little bit of everything. To learn more, the book points you to other books on the topic. I have not read any of the suggested books, but this book really is "what every superuser should know." This is one to chain to your desk.
Would you recommend the product? yes | Price you paid?: None indicated | Rating: 8
Pros:
Makes sure you know the groundwork
Cons:
The index
I found this to be a good and literate guide as to how Linux works. Thought it contains a lot of good information, the index is far too short to be useful. A good linux book needs to be 5% index to be useful.
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