Linux: The Complete Reference [Paperback]

Richard Petersen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0072129409 | ISBN-13: 978-0072129403 | Publication Date: December 22, 2000 | Edition: 4th

This edition covers the latest Linux kernel and the latest versions of the most popular distributions of Linux: Red Hat, Caldera, and SuSE, as well as more advanced administration coverage, including new chapters covering system, network, and security setup tasks, and details on SAMBA and Sendmail. The two CD-ROMs include the latest versions of Red Hat Linux, Publisher's Edition and Caldera's OpenLinux eServer.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The Ultimate In-Depth Linux Resource!

Take advantage of the powerful capabilities of Linux using this comprehensive and easy-to-use reference. Featuring up-to-date coverage of everything from installation and configuration to system administration and programming, this valuable reference covers all the latest distributions of Linux and the Linux 2.4 kernel. New chapters include full details on system, network, and security setup tasks as well as coverage of the KOffice and Evolution office suites.The 2 CD-ROMs contain Red Hat Linux 7 and Caldera OpenLinux eDesktop 2.4. For anyone wanting to learn to install, administer, or program using the latest Linux platform, this is your one-stop guide.

• Learn to install Linux including latest versions of RedHat and Caldera
• Configure settings for network, system, security, and kernel 2.4
• Master KDE 2.0, Gnome, KOffice, Evolution, and the Shell
• Set up and manage servers--FTP, Apache, news, proxy, and more
• Use network administration tools, SAMBA, and Sendmail
• Manage users, file systems, and devices
• Ensure network security using firewall and encryption methods
• Deploy powerful database, office, and desktop applications
• Learn to program on Linux using BASH shell scripts, Perl, Tcl/TK, Gawk, and LaTec, along with programming tools such as the gcc compiler, RCS, and more

About the Author

Richard Petersen (Berkeley, CA) has an MLIS in library and information studies and teaches UNIX and C/C++ courses at the University of California at Berkeley. He is the author of Linux: The Complete Reference (first and second editions) and Academic Press' Introductory C: Pointers, Functions, and Files.

Product Details

• Paperback: 1257 pages
• Publisher: Osborne/McGraw-Hill; 4th edition (December 22, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072129409
• ISBN-13: 978-0072129403
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 2.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,390,226 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Fourth Edition: Two Thumbs Up, January 19, 2001

By 

Pj Little (Carthage, Missouri USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Linux: The Complete Reference (Paperback)

This may well be Richard Petersen's best Linux Reference book to date as it is well written and appeals to the novice as well as the system administrator. This doesn't mean that someone with no Linux experience is going to get that dream system without putting forth some effort, but it does mean that if you have had exposure to Linux this book is for you.

Moving from one operating system to another is no easy task, but neither is compiling the kernel. Petersen makes the transition easier by thoughtfully including step-by-step instructions. He also includes a myriad of screenshots to help configure the first system, or the first firewall, and he didn't forget seasoned users.

The advanced user will not feel neglected for this manual includes kernel and compiler information, libraries and programming tools, as well as hundreds of command lines and options, debuggers, and scripts plus tips and tricks to keep your system running smoothly. Petersen includes comprehensive and detailed information on security and encryption, networks and Internet servers, as well as pointers to many helpful WWW sites.

Linux is a true work in progress. Changes can occur weekly and sometimes even hourly. New distributions, new programs and new ideas emerge almost as rapidly. Petersen wisely chose to add even more detailed information for the most popular distros: Red Hat, Linux, SuSE and Caldera. And although Red Hat 7.0 and Caldera eDesktop 2.4, are the only distributions included on CD, first time users should be comfortable with Red Hat's windows manager GUI interface, and themes which change the look and feel of the desktop much like "skins" change the look and feel of Winamp.

Even though I am not a seasoned Linux user I am very comfortable with Petersen's latest edition - more so than with his previous work. I find it to be resourceful, comprehensive and user friendly. I particularly like the improved layout in this edition which includes more screenshots and better defined explanations. My only mildly disagreeable comment is that he didn't include my favorite distribution.

If a stable and reliable system is in your future then this is the one reference book that you absolutely cannot be without. I give it two thumbs up.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PLEASE READ this book if your a LINUX wannabee., May 19, 2001

By 

Dan George (HONOLULU) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Linux: The Complete Reference (Paperback)

This book is very easily read and informative about the versions of Linux out there all the way to RH 7.1. I recommend it strongly simply because its the best Linux book out there. It helped me configure a Linux server when I knew nothing about Linux when I started this book.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best, April 18, 2001

By 

UCI Student (Irvine) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Linux: The Complete Reference (Paperback)

This book contains information not only about the client services, but also the servers as well. It is written in easy to understand language, yet it covers the basics, as well as the advanced linux commands, concepts, and configurations. What's even better is that it has 2 full version linux CDs(which has the server functions) included, so you don't have to spend more money on buying the operating system. If you are going to get only 1 book for linux then this is the one to get.