Linux for Dummies Quick Reference [Spiral-bound]

Phil Hughes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1998 | Series: For Dummies

This book provides a handy quick reference to the commonly-used Linux commands and options. Readers can find out how to use editors and graphical interfaces, and sections covering e-mail and common GNU tools and programs are provided. Linux is a network operating system and most Linux users are also their own system administrators. With this in mind, the text includes common networking and administration commands. Some of the more basic and shorter shell programming scripts are presented. The reader also finds command options and steps for using features, such as piping and I/O redirection. Readers can find commands for creating HTML more quickly and efficiently under Linux, and Internet connectivity is stressed.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The Linux operating system has grown out of a free Unix-compatible kernel written by Linus Torvalds. Free means the user is free to run, copy, distribute, study, change, sell, and improve the software as long as the source code is always included in the next release, which means that those who follow are able to do the same. Since Linux is multitasking and processing, it supports multiple users doing multiple actions. And because Linux is designed for running on cheap, slightly out-of-date hardware, Linux has proven valuable to libraries of all sizes who can not afford constant, costly upgrade fees for new software. If you are interested in exploring Linux, these three books serve as a great combined-use package. The Sobell book is voluminous?it includes his original book from last year, A Practical Guide to Linux (LJ 9/1/97), along with a copy of Caldera OpenLinux Lite and much more on the CD-ROMs. The IDG books will be invaluable late-night resources in those magical moments when things go wrong. For a really nice introduction to Linux in libraries, check out On the Cheap: Linux at and consider subscribing to linux4lib, a majordomo discussion list at .
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From the Back Cover

Fast answers to frequently asked questions

Linux essentials at your fingertips! If you like your answers quick and your information up-to-date, look no further. With this concise, superbly organized reference, you'll find the latest Linux kernel updates and tips about the hottest Linux distributions, including Red Hat and SuSE. From selecting and installing the right version for you to performing Linux tasks, such as using e-mail and the X Window System, this reference has you covered!

The Dummies Way(TM) Concise, "get it done" information Helpful alphabetical organization Convenient lay-flat binding Icons and other navigational aids A dash of humor and fun

Get smart! www.dummies.com --This text refers to the Plastic Comb edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 209 pages
• Publisher: Hungry Minds Inc (January 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764503022
• ISBN-13: 978-0764503023
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,441,617 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Quick and Dumb, July 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Linux for Dummies Quick Reference (Spiral-bound)

All very sketchy and definitely not something that will take you all the way through any part of the Linux system. Even as a new user, I was finding holes in the instructions (weakest areas: setting up e-mail, online connections)and the author's obvious biases (one page on Emacs, but six or seven on vi). It has some useful references for the well-known commands, but even if that's all you want, you'd be better off buying a more complete reference work.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not exactly what I was expecting, July 7, 2003

By 

"deltafront" (Silverdale, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: LINUX for Dummies Quick Reference (Paperback)

I was hoping for a manual that provided more of a quick reference to both the basic wokings and commands of Linux than an intro to the various apps found within that OS, such as emacs, vi and pico. Knowing how to network, send email and FTP is all good, but those are topics that should be explained in greater detail in a regular IDG book, not skimmed over in a quick-guide.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Takes the edge off, March 16, 1999

By 

Doug Hardman [e-mail] (Cleveland, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Linux for Dummies Quick Reference (Spiral-bound)

I recently bought this for the IS manager that will replace me in weeks to come. I bought it for what it was intended to be. A "Quick Referance". This is not a book that will describe exact procedures, or how to negotiate your way through extedned server calls. It's great for someone with a working knowledge of Linux that finds themself asking "What was that command again?".