Linux System Administration: A User's Guide
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Spotlight Customer Reviews
Average Customer Rating: 4.71Customer Rating: 5
Summary: Great for the 'non-idiot' or 'non-dummy'.
Comment: ...
Simply put, this book is probably one of the best choices for a new user to Linux who has computer experience, and possibly previous UNIX experience. I'm not sure how it would be as a beginner's book because I wasn't a beginner, but I think it would work well as a second book certainly. Even for a beginner, most of the important parts of Linux are focused on. The emphasis is on the basic areas that are important for the average user, or a small business system's administrator. Topics include the file systems, how to do backups, how to set-up hardware (including my personal bugaboo - printers), how to manage users, some good security information, how to use the various GUIs, how to automate tasks, how to get started with programming, etc. Areas like Apache, sendmail and nameservers are covered enough to get started with them, which is probably enough for the average user. One of the strengths is that the book points out ways to use the command prompt and then at least two other (usually) ways to do the same thing with the two most popular windowing systems Gnome and KDE. Another strength is that the book expects you to try things. A topic is introduced, some basic ways to do things are shown and then usually at least one or two more advanced topics, followed by encouragement to explore. There is no CD included, but numerous http links are given throughout.
This book is the one I open first when I have a question that needs answering and should be in most Linux bookshelves. It's easy to read, with some humor sprinkled throughout. The author assumes you're intelligent, which is greatly appreciated. Most of all, the book teaches ways for the home user or small business user to get the most out of their investment.
Customer Rating: 5
Summary: Top notch linux book for all!!
Comment: Marcel Gagne's Linux System Administration A User's Guide is by far the best book on linux I have read. I have gone through a number of different books regarding linux, but this one I find myself refering back to over and over again. There is something in here for seasoned linux administrators and linux newbies alike. If you are looking for a one stop shop linux book this is it!! In the past I would have to refer to a number of different books to find what I needed, but this book has it all. Easy to read and understand. Top notch job - highly recommended!
Vince Scimeca
Senior IT Manager
Jupitermedia
Customer Rating: 4
Summary: Excellent Beginner Book!!!
Comment: I bought this book mostly based on the reviews (...). I wanted a book that was broad, informative,and easy on the beginner and I got it. As a bonus it is also pretty entertaining, as Marcels' writing style is humorous and flavorful rather than the dry/info only style I see a lot in computer texts. It covers a lot of ground. The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars, is I thought it was a little light on many topics. As you can see from browsing through right here, many topics only get a page or two. On the other hand, that also means it covers a great many topics and gives enough to provide a basic understanding that will aid you in knowing which direction to go when you are through. Well worth the $$$.