Linux Secrets
by Naba Barkakati

Bk&Cd-r*NR Edition
Paperback, 883 pages
Published by IDG Books Worldwide
Publication date: December 1996
Dimensions (in inches): 9.23 x 7.40 x 1.79
ISBN: 156884798X

Review by: Paul Wilkins - paulw@tmpw.com.au

Although a little out of date, this book is still excellent for the view it offers of the Linux operating system. The book's presentation is mostly aimed at the would-be Linux sysadmin, with quite in depth, accurate, and step by step details of how to set up and maintain a Linux box. Naba Barkakati's book covers all the essential areas of installation, hardware, scripting and networking, and then delves into the more areas of specific needs terminal setup, serial devices, modems, ppp and dialup server configuration, printers and Xterminals.

There 's a section that gives a review of applications available for Linux, which is getting a little out of date. Most of the book also deals with the 1.3 kernel, which is now a little old. For instance, loadable modules are not covered. Also, in the kernel configuration section, there is no mention of make xconfig, which could leave the reader unaware that there's an easier way of specifying the kernel configuration.

Overall the book is an excellent introduction to Linux, but really it's time this book had a revision.


Review by: Spiro Harvey - spiro@dvs.net.nz

Being quite new to Linux, but not altogether unfamiliar with basic shell operation, I bought this book with the expectation of learning a thing or two. Sadly, Naba has tried to cover every topic under the sun in too short a book. His guidance around the linux shell environment is pretty good - although not excellent - but when he begins introducing networking, hardware, and programming, all he manages is a brief outline of each topic. More information can be gleaned from appropriate HOW-TOs and man pages.

Overall this book was a major disappointment and a waste of money that could have been better spent.
rating = 4 / 10


The publisher, IDG Books:

IF YOU THINK Linux is Charlie Brown's blanket-smitten pal, this may not be the book for you. But if you think Linux is God's gift to anyone who wants a well-supported, popular, shareware implentation of the powerful Unix operating system, read on. In Linux SECRETS, Unix guru Naba Barkakati reveals the features, quirks, and possibilities of Linux. Packed with detailed technical information on expertly configuring and customizin g Linux, this book serves up expert tips, techniques, and shortcuts to turn your PC into a powerful workstation. You'll find the information you need to develop software, set up a Web server for your business, and much more. Plus, the book's bonus CD-ROM features the popular and powerful Slackware Linux 3.0 -- the distribution that PC Week calls "the best" -- and a powerful collection of utilities and tools. Comprehensive and authoritative, Linux SECRETS is one book you'll want to keep handy any time you fire up your Linux-based Web server or other system using this important version of Unix.

Synopsis From Amazon.com:

In addition to providing expert advice for installation and setup of Linux, this book uncovers little-known or undocumented information on the best ways to use Linux for specific business purposes. Naba Barkakati takes readers on a real world tour of Linu x focusing on the ways Linux is used daily.

Reader Comments

thx1138@brnet.com.br, 03/09/97, rating=8:

best for non-english programmers
That's really a good book for non-english progrmmares, it's give a view from the basics to advanced. Good introdution to programming(for who don't know bigest things).I would thanks to Naba.

bojan.sporar@guest.arnes.si, 01/20/97, rating=9:

The book that proves Linux is an easy-to-install system
This is the ultimate tool if you are not familiar with Linux basics. It takes you all the way through the first steps and into the hard-core programming combined with sophisticated installment of your own web server. A must have for every Linux user.

g10595@rouge.net, 11/20/96, rating=9:

A very good how-to-install Linux book.
If you are ready to give Linux a try, this is the book that you need. You can easily have Linux running in your PC following the steps on the book. It gives you an idea of what Linux is and what you can do with it.

Buy From Amazon.com Now.

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