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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BUY THIS BOOK!!!

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.

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.

it is an excellent book and good guide. open the linux os and open the book and practise. you will get it very useful