The Joy of Linux (Miscellaneous) [Hardcover]

Michael Hall (Author), Brian Proffitt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2001 | Series: Miscellaneous

An alternative to a manual on Linux operating systems, offering a conversational and celebratory look at the history and evolution of Linux, as well as its current cultures, communities, and controversies. Also offers secret facts and tips for Linux enthusiasts.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Muska & Lipman Publishing; 1st edition (March 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0761531513
• ISBN-13: 978-0761531517
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,251,008 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The culture, nothing but the culture?, April 20, 2001

By 

G. A. Findlay "Gordon" (Christchurch New Zealand) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Joy of Linux (Miscellaneous) (Hardcover)

This is a bit different from most books about Linux, and other books about the open source movement. You won't learn much about using or administering Linux, but will get a feel for (parts of) the culture of Linux and get introduced to some of the communities in the open source movement.

It's fun to read, although the extended metaphor (think other book named "The Joy of ... A Gourmet Guide to ....") gets a bit tired after a couple of hundred pages.

It's not a balanced book: it concentrates on the common characture "Linux guru" and there are other types of people using Linux now, but does suceed in capturing the fun, excitment and "cool" of Linux.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun history and outlook for Linux, April 10, 2001

By 

Robert L. Bogue (Carmel, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Joy of Linux (Miscellaneous) (Hardcover)

If you've read many technical books you've probably gotten used to the rather dry monotone sounding books that walk you through fifteen different dialogs, or a long series of command lines that make you wonder how you're supposed to remember how to do that again when the book isn't in front of you... you'll appreciate the lighthearted approach to the history of Linux and the outlook on where it's going.

The cartoons aren't bad either.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, June 17, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: The Joy of Linux (Miscellaneous) (Hardcover)

Enough trolling. The first few reviewers must be irc regulars, maybe even Slack users (don't flame, I use Slack myself, but I do have people skills and I do answer questions that I know the answer to, rather than shelling out the all-to-common RTFM).

The book is rather funny. Some of the anecdotal stuff is amusing. It has been said before, but it's worth mentioning again: THIS IS NOT A HOW-TO/GUIDE/TUTORIAL. It's entertainment, and (I believe) best read after you've had at least a few months experience with Linux.

There is one thing that I do have to gripe about, and it's a big one (there was a hint at it earlier). The spelling/grammar/editing in this book is absolutely atrocious. The editor at Muska & Lipman Publishing ought to be shot. If you can get past that, it's an entertaining read.