Running Linux
by
Matt Welsh, Lar Kaufman
2nd Edition
Paperback, 650 pages
Published by O'Reilly & Associates
Publication date: August 1, 1996
Dimensions (in inches): 9.18 x 7.02 x 1.45
ISBN: 1565921518
Dave's Review:
Ok...this is probably one of the most recommended linux books out there, and for good reason. I really couldn't ask for too
much
more in a beginning linux book. Note: I actually own the 1st edition of the book, so the 2nd edition has more material
(although
I don't know what) - and maybe they fixed some of my criticisms of the book. Anyway...keep that in mind as you read the
review.
The first chapter of the book is just a basic introduction to linux. It's got topics like hardware/software features,
networking
advantages, system requirements, where to get help, etc. Overall, not too bad of an overview. Linux Guru's will probably
not get
much out of this, but for the newbie...it's pretty good.
The next chapter deals with obtaining and installing linux. It does a fairly good job of helping the reader try to
understand
partitions and it gives a pretty good step-by-step how-to process of partitioning your hard drive. It also goes into LILO,
things
to do after installation, and solutions to a few common problems. Overall, a pretty good installation guide, but not as
complete
as it could be. Nowdays, with varied distributions, it's not easy to write down a general way to install every
distribution.
Chapter 3 goes into some basic unix commands, you know...ls, chmod, pwd, symbolic links, etc. It also goes into detail about
wildcards, saving output to a file, and processes. Overall, I found this chapter to be very valuable when learning linux.
It
just seemed like it went a little more in-depth than some of the other books.
Chapter 4 is a biggie. It's called Essential System Management. Well, just about everything an average user would need to
know
about system management. It discusses lilo, kernel boot messages, account information, archiving tools, backups, upgrading,
mounting filesystems, building a new kernel, system logs, and even what to do in an emergency. Whew...that's a lot of
stuff!
The next two chapters deal with Power Tools (as they call them) and Programming. Basically they teach you about vi and
emacs, and
then they give you a brief overview of many of the programming languages available to the user.
In the last chapter, they talk about networking which leaves a bit to be desired. They really don't get deep into PPP dialup
techniques (something which many people have trouble with) or networking with other machines that don't run linux. I would
like
to see a nice book that gives a detailed look on how to network linux to machines running Win95 and also MacOS.
Well, overall this book is really good for the beginning linux user, and it also might teach some experienced users something
too.
It's for sure a good book to have in your reference library.
The publisher, O'Reilly and Associates:
Linux is the most exciting development today in the UNIX world -- and some would say in the world of the PC-compatible. A complete, UNIX-compatible operating system developed by volunteers on the Internet, Linux is distributed freely in electronic form an
d for low cost from many vendors. Its software packages include the X Window System (X11R6); TCP/IP networking (including SLIP, PPP, and NFS support); popular software tools such as Emacs and TeX; a complete software development environment including C, C
++, Perl, Tcl/Tk, and more; libraries, debuggers, multimedia support, scientific and database applications, and much more. Developed first on the PC, it has been ported to many other architectures, and a POSIX-compliant version has even been developed. Ru
nning Linux explains everything you need to understand, install, and start using the Linux operating system. This includes a comprehensive installation tutorial, complete information on system maintenance, tools for document development and programming, a
nd guidelines for network and web site administration. New topics in the second edition include: Printer configuration, management, and use Configuration of network clients for NFS and NIS Expanded information on configuring a wide range of hardware devic
es Updated configuration information for the kernel and XFree86 O'Reilly & Associates has collaborated with Red Hat Software, Inc. to produce the accompanying Running Linux Companion CD-ROM. With Running Linux and the Companion CD-ROM you have everything
you need to install and run Linux on your personal computer. If you plan to obtain the Linux software through other means, Running Linux can be used alone.
Synopsis From Amazon.com:
This second edition of Running Linux covers everything you need to understand, install, and use your Linux system, including a comprehensive installation tutorial, complete information on system maintenance, tools for document development and programming,
and guidelines for network and Web site administration.
Card catalog description
Linux is the most exciting development today in the UNIX world - and some would say in the world of the PC-compatible. A complete, UNIX-compatible operating system developed by volunteers on the Internet, Linux is distributed freely in electronic form and
for low cost from many vendors. Its software packages include the X Window System (X11R6); TCP/IP networking (including SLIP, PPP, and NFS support); popular software tools such as Emacs and T{-63}subscript E X; a complete software development environment
including C, C++, Perl, Tcl/Tk, and more; libraries, debuggers, multimedia support, scientific and database applications, and much more. Developed first on the PC, it has been ported to many other architectures, and even a POSIX-compliant version has bee
n developed. Running Linux explains everything you need to understand, install, and start using the Linux operating system. This book includes a comprehensive installation tutorial, complete information on system maintenance, tools for document developmen
t and programming, and guidelines for network and web site administration.
- Table of Contents
Preface
Ch. 1. Introduction to Linux
Ch. 2. Preparing to Install Linux
Ch. 3. Installation and Initial Configuration
Ch. 4. Basic UNIX Commands and Concepts
Ch. 5. Essential System Management
Ch. 6. Managing Filesystems, Swap, and Devices
Ch. 7. Upgrading Software and the Kernel
Ch. 8. Other Administrative Tasks
Ch. 9. Editors, Text Tools, and Printing
Ch. 10. The X Window System
Ch. 11. Miscellaneous Applications
Ch. 12. Programming Languages
Ch. 13. Tools for Programmers
Ch. 14. TCP/IP and SLIP
Ch. 15. The World Wide Web and Mail
Ch. 16. Telecommunications, FAX, and UUCP
Appendix A. Sources of Linux Information
Appendix B. Linux Vendor List
Appendix C. FTP Tutorial and Site List
Appendix D. Bulletin Board Access to Linux
Appendix E. Licenses
Appendix F. 64-Bit AXP Linux
Bibliography
Index
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