Please refer me by title to reference books that explain how to administer a linux system. I know zero about structure or commands, example I see tar referred to but have no idea what it is nor how to use, when to use it etc. Yes I could google for all the information but I need to have in one place good reference material to get me started. Thanks all.
Please note; expense is a consideration, I may buy one or two new manuals but they can be very expensive so I need to buy the correct ones.

I have sys admin'ed for over 5 years now in both unix and linux, I would say the best book by far that I have ever come across, (and I've had quite a few) is Linux Sysadmin from the craig hunt library. Here's a link to amazon. Link You truly won't be disappointed in this book. Worth every penny to me over the last few years.


Druisgod

I'm not sure there is a compact reference that will have all the information you want. You might be forced into purchasing a small collection of books. The O'reilly series of books are usually pretty good about giving good information. I have a couple myself. You can snoop around their site: O'Reilly Website

Of their books, I have two geared toward administration (more or less):

"Running Linux" - (discusses various administration tasks)
MSRP - US$34.95
ISBN 1-56592-469-X
700+ pages

"Linux in a Nutshell" - reference for user and admin commands (descriptions and common switches)
MSRP - US$24.95
ISBN 1-56592-585-8
600+ pages

I also own another very good book titled:

"Linux Administration Handbook"
Publisher: Prentice Hall
MSRP - US$49.99
ISBN 0-13-008466-2
800+ pages

Don't let the cartoon characters fool you on the cover It's a serious book, and it gives background for why things are the way they are, and touches just about everything you can think of.

>> Yes I could google for all the information but I need to have in one place good reference material to get me started. Thanks all.<<

There are actually some good "one stop shop" webites/resources that you could bookmark - still all in one place, and at no cost - especially for a newer user, might be a good introduction rather than paying out, and then possibly finding the information rather dry.

Personally would have a look at these first: - could always be used as a complement/in addition to any books that you might buy.

http://linux-newbie.sunsite.dk/

http://www.icon.co.za/~psheer/book/

There are many good books under o'reilly (www.oreilly.com ).
A great book i know is "Running Linux" (currently in 4th Edition) By Matt Welsh, Matthias Kalle Dalheimer, Terry Dawson, Lar Kaufman.
This book gives imo a very complete overview of installing and maintaining a linux system.

If you don't want to buy a book you should consider too the The Linux Documentation Project , where you can find many HOW TO's and in-depth documentation.

There must be a hundred years of experience pouring their best into this response, thank you. To druisgod; went there and the book looks good! Dark_Helmey;thanks for the O'Reilly site, lots are there(does he have a tv show)LOL. Skyline;went to the wiki place and it is a fine reference. To Charalambos; many thanks. I feel like I asked and the best responded. Printed the stuff off for reference. Now I hope when the time comes and I ask a question I can at least say I did research for the answer.
From various sources I get the feeling more and more people are interested in linux. One common note is they are tired of paying high upgrade prices for other software.

Dark why dont you have the signature - Evil will always triumph because good is dumb? Just doesnt seem like dark helmet without it . . .


Druisgod

It's a toss up, I can't really make up my mind. You also have to consider:

Yogurt! I HATE yogurt! Even with strawberries.

Say goodbye to your two best friends, and I don't mean your pals in the Winnebago!

KNOCK on my door next time! KNOCK!

Ludicrous speed! GO!

Really, there are just way too many lines to choose from

For those who are completely lost about all this, I highly suggest you waste about 1.5 hours of your life and watch "Spaceballs: The Movie".