Customer Reviews

Linux Desk Reference (2nd Edition)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Linux Desk Reference is just what the name implies: a good reference book for Linux commands. The book is broken down in sections like Documentation, Files, Users, etc. and commands that relate to these tasks are grouped together.

The author does an excellent job in giving an overview at the beginning of each section. For example, in the Process section, the author discusses what processes are, where they can run (foreground vs background), their priority levels, etc. This overview, albeit short, puts the commands in context, making it easier for the reader to determine how they can be useful in day-to-day operations.

Each command is presented with a short description in plain English, followed by the various "switches" that can be added to enhance functionality or perform specific actions. In that sense, each entry is like a little MAN page, although it is easier to read, which is the main reason I purchased this book.

There are some examples of commands but I would have liked more of these, hence my 4 stars rating. Personally, I recommend this book for people who are starting to to feel comfortable with Linux but still do not know many of the available commands.

First and most spectacular, the U.S. Mule had delivered the Linux Desk Reference that I have been eagerly awaiting, with high hopes - and low expectations. Opened it. WOW! It exceeds my wildest hopes. It is exactly what I have been looking for, wanted, and need. Even I, the newest of Linux Newbies, can understand it easily. It is written in ENGLISH. 545 extremely well organized and indexed pages, chock full and overflowing with information. Its quality and availability compare favorably with Commodore's Commodore Basic Manual of fond memory. The information includes definitions of terms and appropriate examples of their use. It includes a definition of the -R switch - but no warning! I now know what a grep is - and could even use one as needed! This is a really MUST HAVE book for any Linuxer, from the newest Newbie to the `way advanced Superuser who may not have memorized every last term with its switches, options, variants, and usages. Scott Hawkins saves us the trouble.

This is the best Linux reference book I've used. Every single command is organized by task, so even if I don't know its name, but I know what I want to do, I can find it. Tons of examples make it easy to learn new commands and the author actually makes it interesting! Highly recommended over the run-of-the-mill Nutshell book.

I bought this book because I had recently (finally!!) managed to install Linux on my laptop. I was a complete Linux newbie and kept running into hints and mentions here and there about this or that Linux command but never any explanation of how to use them! The book is an excellent systematic, brief presentation of these commands. You DON'T have to be a programmer to benefit from this book!! Now, many months later, I can say that I still frequently consult the book. It opens up the great versatility of Linux for those of us who are not programmers but want more from their Linux computing experience. If you're a newbie, buy the book!

I like the book, the layout, the typeface, the structure, the organisation, the extensive index and especially the command lists inside the front and back covers.

So why only four stars?

The book actually contains a lot of mistakes and although generally very good there are areas where there are obvious errors which have not been corrected.

In some sections the logical flow of the material is broken and we seem to fall from one command into the middle of another. As bedtime reading this made it very hard work. As a reference manual it has already helped me sort out some problems.

Just got this book today, and already has come in useful in solving two problems I had with command line switches. It's pretty good so far.

This is the best Linux reference book I've ever seen! There are examples for every command and you can actually find what you're looking for without having to muck through a lot of stuff you don't need.

It's simple and concise without being boring. I can only hope that other reference book authors will take a lesson from these guys!

Ten years ago, or therabouts, I built a computer and installed Caldera Linux, if you can remember that ancient distribution. At about the same time I bought Hawkin's 2nd Edition Linux Desk Reference, because Linux/Unix was not my native language, and I was in need of a reference for precise details. Today I use Linux for many hours every day. The only Linux reference I have within arms reach when I work is Hawkin's book. It has been close at hand almost continuously since the day I bought it. Thank you Scott Hawkins.

Great book for any beginner as reference. Always keep this handy when starting up and you will be surprised at the times it will be used.

Also great for veterans who forget the small things such as myself :)

Even though it has a few years on it, this title is a great tool for any UNIX or Linux person - novice or advanced. I have been working with Linux systems for over 10 years and I use this book often to refresh those elusive command line options.

If you do any CLI work, or need to know what a command does, get a copy of this text. True, you could read the man page but unlike the man pages on your 'nix machine, you get useful examples in this book.

This is my most coveted book in my work library.