(Price paid for close out of 3rd edition.) This is the book to
get newbs started understanding the internals of Linux.
I refer to this book regardless of distro. This is the book
that finally almost got linux permissions in to my noggin.

Great book for beginners, and those who just finished their first linux book looking for something more. I went from a teach yourself in 24 hours to this, and I can say I might as well have skipped the 24 hour book, got alot more out of this. Easy to understand, and doesn't gloss over the things you want to know as a newbie. You'll also find yourself referring to this one.

I have the 3rd Edition. I've poked around in it for reference, but now I am considering reading through the whole thing as step toward getting some certification ('cause I need a job!)
I am just curious if anybody here can do a comparison between the 3rd Edition and what's newer, better, must-have in the 4th Edition. Is there enough new stuff in the 4th Edition to warrant a new purchase?

Very well-written and useful, highly recommended.

I read the fourth edition of this book and I keep it near my desk for reference. It is one of the best computer books I've read (in fact, I think it is the only computer book I've actually read, aside from Thompson's "PC Hardware in a Nutshell"). "Running Linux" doesn't cover absolutely everything you'll need to know about Linux, and I've actually failed to find some answers that I really needed in my day-to-day usage. Nevertheless, reading it will give anyone a thorough understanding of all the important aspects of computing with a Linux-based system. From this foundation, it is very easy to extend your Linux knowledge. I definitely recommend it.

The beginning of the book is laid out for Linux newbies and slowly becomes more advanced. The book explains a lot about the inter-workings of Linux yet it is spread out nicely so readers can easily find material for reference.

I have 2 problems with many Linux books: the first is that they all contain a history of Linux section which means that at least one section of the books need never be read, the second is that they all cover the same things, some to a greater extent than others.

All books of this type assume that they are the only one you will ever need, so they have installation sections (which, in this time of more and more easy graphical installs are largely redundant) and they all have the sections on programming - these sections are useless if you don't want to program and useless if you want to learn to program.

Those minor points aside, most Linux books are very very useful. This book, Running Linux, is one of those useful books. It is most useful as a tool for preparing your install and use - you can read it to discover the pitfalls or things you don't understand.

Once you go beyond the basics, there's a section on Essential System Management (incl. Single User Mode, for when you forget the root password), Upgrading Software, Installing the X Window System, Windows Compatibility and Samba (incl. WINE), TCP/IP and PPP, Basic Security and LAMP - all things which need thought laid out for you in easy to read language. There really is something for everyone.

Again, my gripe is that each section is too short - I'd like to see a box set witha book each dedicated to those chapters. Microsoft do it with their MCSE books, why can't Linux?

But definitely add this to your bookshelf.

This book provides exactly what someone new to the operating system needs. It covers everything with just enough information to saturate but not bore (to much :) ). The chapters cover all the majors for a user and some for the admin (when the user just happens to be the admin). Great for referance!

Great step by step guide to set-up. Does not assume a particular distro and so gives generic advice. I liked the fact that I was not being told to build my system in a very specific way. However, going your own way may teach you more about how to build a Linux system of your own but the learning will be painful. You need LQ open on another machine at all times.

Great background info on Unix that helps you understand why things are the way they are - and hence how to solve your own problems.

Linux in a Nutshell is also a necessary companion - buy them together.

This book gives a general overview of linux & its various substems. Makes a good read if you have enough time or if you are satisfied with the overview of linux.