Advanced Linux Networking [Paperback]

Roderick W. Smith (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0201774232 | ISBN-13: 978-0201774238 | Publication Date: June 21, 2002

Increasingly, Linux is used to drive networks in mission-critical environments -- and system/network administrators working in those environments must have far deeper expertise than ever before. Advanced Linux Networking picks up where conventional Linux books leave off, helping experienced Linux system and network administrators accomplish more -- and solve more problems -- than they can with any other book. Its breadth and depth make it an exceptional single-volume reference for every Linux professional. The book is structured into four sections, each essential to the working Linux administrator: Low-Level Configuration, Local Network Servers, Internet Servers, and Network Security and Router Functions. In-depth coverage includes: kernel and TCP/IP configuration, alternative network stacks, server startup scripting, DHCP configuration, Kerberos authentication, printer sharing, mail protocols, remote login servers, GUI access, remote system administration, network backups, iptables firewalls, and VPNs. The book's extensive section on Internet services shows how to handle virtual domains and secure sites; analyze Apache log files; and run FTP servers; and contains detailed coverage of SMTP-based email systems. Among the topics covered in exceptional depth: configuring Kerberos; running time servers, font servers, and chroot jails; and using Samba's scripting capabilities to burn CDs and create PDFs. For every experienced Linux system or network administrator, and for Linux power users with network-related responsibilities.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

With an increasing number of networks and mission-critical applications running on Linux, system and network administrators must be able to do more than set up a server and rely on its default configuration. Advanced Linux Networking is designed to help you achieve a higher level of competence. It focuses on powerful techniques and features of Linux networking and provides you with the know-how you need to improve server efficiency, enhance security, and adapt to new requirements.

This book begins with a brief introduction to low-level configuration, including a guide to getting your network up and running. Part II outlines those servers and procedures most likely to be used by the computers on your local network: DHCP servers, Kerberos, Samba, time servers, and network backups, among others. Part III covers Internet servers: DNS, SMTP (sendmail, Postfix, and Exim), Apache, and FTP servers. Part IV examines network security, exploring such topics as using a chroot jail, iptables configuration, and VPNs. Wherever pertinent, the author addresses the differences between Caldera OpenLinux, Debian GNU/Linux, Mandrake, Red Hat, Slackware, SuSE, and TurboLinux.

Specific topics covered include:

Configuring small but potentially important servers quickly and easily

Optimizing Linux network operation

Using advanced system features effectively

Using systems and software in alternative ways to reach your goals

Avoiding possible damage to your system and violations of ISP policies

Securing your system

Advanced Linux Networking is the single-volume tutorial and reference for Linux networking that will help you achieve expert status.

0201774232B05172002

About the Author

Roderick W. Smith is an experienced Linux user and system administrator. He is also a professional computer book author whose titles include: Broadband Internet Connections (Addison-Wesley, 2002), Linux Samba Server Administration (Sybex, 2001), The Multi-Boot Configuration Handbook (Que, 2000), and Linux: Networking for Your Office (SAMS, 2000). Roderick holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology from Tufts University.

0201774232AB05172002

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Product Details

• Paperback: 784 pages
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional (June 21, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201774232
• ISBN-13: 978-0201774238
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.3 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,370,420 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best all-in-one resource on Linux system configuration, October 2, 2003

By 

Rich Rosen "web application architect, author... - See all my reviews

This review is from: Advanced Linux Networking (Paperback)

There are many books available covering a wide array of Linux configuration subjects, some of which are more authoritative than others. This one is, in my opinion, the most thorough because it provides the deepest coverage on the widest range of topics. Its content isn't restricted to one particular "brand" of Linux (Debian vs. Red Hat vs. Mandrake), covering the differences in the ways that each of these Linux variants is configured (e.g., directories for System V startup scripts). It isn't limited to the "standard" tools and programs, offering a variety of easier-to-configure alternatives (such as Exim for SMTP, ProFTP for FTP, and thttpd and khttpd for web servers). Add to this the substantial coverage provided on DNS setup, SSH, printer configuration, Samba file sharing, security, and remote administration interfaces, and you have a truly comprehensive resource.

I own quite a few Linux books (including the Red Hat Bible, Linux Server Hacks, and the Linux Security Cookbook, all of which I still highly recommend!). But if I had to choose just one book, it would definitely be this one. In setting up the more complex configuration options on my own Linux server, it has proved invaluable.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lean..., July 12, 2003

By 

Patrick Thompson (Sydney, NSW Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Advanced Linux Networking (Paperback)

This book is like having your own linux networking guru...it'll tell you where you to seek enlightenment...and even throw plenty of it at you (I found something in the samba configuration section that wasn't in Using Samba! - about adding windows clients to a domain). But ultimately, you have to reason some of this out for yourself. It doesn't go into miniutae on every aspect of networking. And it glossy over much of the basics of Linux system administration (refer Running Linux, O'Rielly, 4th edition or Linux Administration Handbook by Nemeth, Snyder and Hein), but the title does say advenced!

It is well written and easy to follow. It's all command line and file editing stuff (not fancy-schmancy, wimpy- and marginally useful- config tools used here thank you very much!)...and distribution neutral (though specific locations on different distributions for the respective files are given). So if you need to do something it should be here...The arrangement is a chapter for each thing you want to do: go to the chapter...read it and viola there is typically the answer to be found!

So in all, a good, very helpful book. Starts with Kernel configuration, TCP/IP network configuration (DHCP, PPP, drivers),
other network stacks (poo-poo this...:)), and starting servers: this is part 1; Part 2 is local network servers: DHCP, Kerberos, Samba, NFS, Printer sharing, Time servers, POP, News server, Remote login servers, X, font servers, remote admin and backups.

Next section is Internet servers: DNS, SMTP, web servers, FTP servers. Part 4 is Netowrk security and router functions: system security, chroot jail, router options, iptables, VPN.

Loads of fun and joy for rainy days adn weekends (warning this book can make a weekend disappear!).

Author provides lots of tips and pointers (ha-ha!) within a very readable effort. Should get you moving in the right direction post haste and without too much timewasting...however, be warned this is a book that demands reading...not just extracting snippets to use. However, each chapter is fairly compartmentalized so you don't have to hunt all over the book for things. And if you do, the reference is always there.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars The title is misleading at best, January 11, 2007

By 

GLF (SW Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Advanced Linux Networking (Paperback)

I'll cut to the chase.

There is little real discussion of networking. There is a short section on general networking. How to use DHCP and how to set up static addresses, gateways and a default route. There is a brief section on alternate stacks Netbeui, IPX and the like. All of the above is done in 45 pages.

There is no discussion of bridges, tunnel interfaces, VLANS or any other special (that is ADVANCED) networking topics. No explanation of the interfaces file. At the end of the book there is some discussion of Kernel options including QOS, routing protocols and iptables. This is general.

The balance of the book - 600 pages - is devoted to various topics. Those topics could be generally be called server applications. SMTP, POP3, Network News, Web Server, X Server and the like. There is a discussion of Kerberos and tar (yes, the tape archive app - huh?).

You might find a couple of useful tidbits in the book - but in general it doesn't measure up to the alleged subject in my opinion. As best I can tell, the Linux world still needs an authoritative text on the subject.