Running Linux, 4th Edition

The Essential Guide to Linux

The reasons for switching to Linux are as varied as Linux users themselves. Whatever spirit of rebellion drives them to begin a Linux installation--whether they're fed up with commercial operating systems, or looking for something stable that will run on a clunker PC, or they just like living on the edge of the latest technological trends--Linux offers many options, for free, that will satisfy them. Moreover, these rebel Linux users soon find that they have a degree of control over their computer systems that they may not have previously experienced. Without much trouble, they can learn how Linux works, how to troubleshoot problems, and how to dig even more deeply into their systems. Whatever they hope to accomplish, Running Linux, a a classic now in its fourth edition, is the one to get.

 

"Running Linux" explains everything readers need to know to understand, install, and start using Linux. "More than ever, Linux is being adopted by new users with no previous Unix experience, and most users do not buy a Linux distribution with customer support," says coauthor Lar Kaufman. "Although the Linux Documentation Project provides ample resources in many areas, 'Running Linux' provides that needed master source that pulls information together." Recognized by the Linux community as the getting-started book that solves users' actual needs, this book answers the questions and tackles configuration issues that frequently plague users, but are seldom addressed in other books.
      Whether readers are installing Linux for the first time, or need to know more about a specific task, such as adding a network printer or configuring for ADSL, they will benefit from the authors' clear, well-organized instructions. The book doesn't draw the line at the kernel, or the shell, or the GUI, or even at the point of essential applications. Rather, the authors, experienced Linux enthusiasts, have anticipated problem areas, selected stable and popular solutions, and provided clear discussions and instructions to ensure that readers will have a satisfying experience running Linux. The discussion is direct and complete enough to guide novice users while still providing the additional information experienced users will need to progress in their mastery of Linux.
      The fourth edition of "Running Linux" delves deeper into installation, system administration, configuring desktops, and networking than earlier editions did. New topics include:

• The popular LAMP configuration that combines Linux with Apache, MySQL, and PHP
• Applications ready for prime time
• The GNOME desktop
• Basic security and firewalling
• Package management on Debian
• The Postfix mail transfer agent -Sound configuration

 

A solid foundation text for any Linux user, the book also includes additional resources for dealing with special requirements imposed by hardware, advanced applications, and emerging technologies. Whether readers are using Linux on a home workstation or maintaining a network server, they'll find that "Running Linux" provides expert advice just when they need it.

Rave Reviews

What the critics said about the previous edition of this book:

"'Running Linux,' by Matt Welsh and Lar Kaufman, is a gentle welcome to Linux that shows you around, points out some places where you may want to spend some time, and tells you where to find good detailed guides. Over time, 'Running Linux' has become my first choice for broad questions. ('Linux in a Nutshell' is my choice for details like utility program options.)"

  --Jeff Taylor, Dr. Dobbs Electronic Review of Computer Books, April 2001
 

"For beginners the best choice is the classic 'Running Linux.' There are other good starting guides, but this one does the best job of capturing the spirit of Linux while providing essential guidance."

  Gene Wilburn, Computer Paper, December 2000

Running Linux, Fourth Edition

Authors: Matt Welsh, Matthias Kalle Dalheimer, Terry Dawson, and Lar Kaufman, 672 pages, $44.95 (US), $69.95 (CAN), 31.95 (UK) Click here to get the Amazon.com discount, up to 35% off

Additional Resources

Read Chapter 7, "Upgrading the Software and the Kernel," and Chapter 15, "TCP/IP and PPP," free online.
      You can also get more information about the book, including Table of Contents, index, author bios and samples at the O'Reilly web site.