Linux Administration: A Beginner's Guide

by Wale Soyinka, Steve Shah

Administer Any Linux Distribution with Ease

Fully updated for the most current Linux distributions, Linux Administration: A Beginner's Guide, Fifth Edition, shows you how to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux on a single server or an entire network. Get full details on granting user rights and permissions, configuring software and hardware, providing Internet and intranet services, and customizing Linux kernel 2.6. You'll also learn how to get your network services IPv6 ready, implement sound security, create foolproof system backups, and use the latest virtualization technologies. Real-world, hands-on examples are included throughout. Install and configure popular Linux distributions, including Fedora 9, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, OpenSuSE, and UbuntuManage users, permissions, files, folders, and applicationsAdminister Linux servers from the GUI or from the command line (shell)Understand and manage file systems in LinuxCompile, tune, and customize Linux kernel 2.6Build robust firewalls and routers using netfilter and LinuxManage the Linux TCP/IP networking stack and services for both IPv4 and IPv6Build and deploy Web, e-mail, and FTP serversUse NIS, NFS, LDAP, and Samba for resource sharing and identity management Set up and administer print, DNS, POP3, IMAP3, and DHCP serversImplement Linux virtualization technologies, including the native KVM platform

Genres: Nonfiction, Computer Science

662 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Dave Cushing]

I use this book to teach my Linux classes. Well written and distro agnostic - great examples.

[عَبدُالكَرِيمْ]

I have to say; I've learned ALOT from this book. Comparing to others this is one of the best guides.

[Dave]

2014-04-26: I'm still in chapter one but finding this book to be annoying in it's evangelicism. It missed no opportunity to tell the reader how shitty Windows is and how wonderful Linux is. Even if I mostly agree with that position it's still irritating. STFU about Windows except as a neutral comparison and tell me how to do things in Linux.

2014-05-01: It's getting better but it's a little basic. I may pick up one of the RHCSA books instead.

[Prashant]

PS: I am actually reading the 8th edition of this book and that version is what this review is targeted at.
This book is exactly what i was looking for.
Tells enough about how the gears turn under the hood to become competent enough to experiment and explore on our own. At the same time, it is also not too daunting for a beginner.
Will try to update my review after I finish it.

[Chris]

I really enjoyed starting this book and it definitely requires a revisit in the future.

I did not get a chance to fully read Part IV & V, configuring different services like DNS or NFS is not required reading for the LPIC-1, but might be worth a read if I continue on the Linux admin path.

[PRJ Greenwell]

I found this to be a great resource on a complicated and ever-changing subject. The edition I read (7th) is a little outdated but the core principles and workings remain the same. A recommended guide.

[Yehuda Hassine]

Every important topic is discussed on two pages or not discussed at all.
Topics like: Cloud computing, Docker, Kubernetes, ansible.

The worst thing that the book description says: "Spin-up and manage Linux-based server in popular cloud environments".

I hate misleading description.

[Yehuda Hassine]

Every important topic is discussed on two pages or not discussed at all.
Topics like: Cloud computing, Docker, Kubernetes, ansible.

The worst thing that the book description says: "Spin-up and manage Linux-based server in popular cloud environments".

I hate misleading description.

[Kgw]

Most of my Linux skills are derived from this book. A good bok for beginners, and for more experienced users that just needs to refresh their knowledge.

[Katelin]

A nice overview for beginners with some good resources referenced throughout the book.