Linux System Administration: A User's Guide [Paperback]

Marcel Gagné (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0201719347 | ISBN-13: 978-0201719345 | Publication Date: September 28, 2001 | Edition: 1

Respected Linux Journal and Sys Admin columnist Marcel Gagne has written the definitive guide to Linux system administration: a book that will be invaluable for sys admins at all levels of experience, using any leading distribution. Linux System Administration offers hands-on, results-focused coverage of every key Linux configuration and management task. Gagne offers detailed coverage of installation, Linux file management tools and file naming conventions; disks and file systems; users and groups; hardware; X-based graphical desktops; networking; kernel building; printing; and much more. The book contains practical guidance on scripting and automating administration tasks; administration tools; Internet services; security; tuning; and more. Gagne goes far beyond the basics, offering expert guidance on becoming a smarter sys admin -- from avoiding problems to tracking trouble calls and identifying resources that can provide the solutions you need. The book concludes with a series of instant-reference "cheat sheets" designed to help sys admins get the most common jobs done fast. For everyone responsible for administering Linux systems, including both experienced and new sys admins, as well as those migrating from UNIX or Windows environments. Also for power users, and any user or administrator who must maximize the security of their Internet-connected workstations.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"Gagne is clearly an insider in the Linux community, familiar with both the technical details and the culture, which sets this book apart from others in the field."

--Joseph Sloan, Lead System Administrator, Mirai Consulting

This comprehensive, hands-on guide to Linux system administration provides you with the deeper understanding of the inner workings of Linux and the pragmatic techniques you need to become an outstanding Linux system administrator--whether you are a career administrator in a corporate environment or simply administering your home system.

Written both for those who are new to Linux and those who are already proficient and wish to hone their skills, Linux System Administration starts with the basics and builds up to more sophisticated material.

You will find complete coverage of all major system administration topics:

• Linux versus UNIX
• Installation tips and tricks
• Working effectively with the Linux command line
• Organizing and working with system users
• Disks, file systems, backup, and restore
• The inner workings of X and the graphical desktop
• Configuring and using scanners, CD-Recordables, and other devices
• Internet connectivity
• Finding, building, and installing software
• Kernel building and renovation
• Scripting and automation
• Network administration, electronic mail, and Web services
• Integrating Windows with Linux
• System logs and accounting
• Security and firewalls
• Performance monitoring and tuning

Using standard Linux tools (PostgreSQL, Apache, Perl, and more) this book will help you deploy a feature-rich corporate intranet featuring online discussion groups, bulletin boards, a company phone directory, and a document center. You will also learn everything you need to know to install a complete electronic mail and Internet gateway solution for your home or office on a single, shared connection. In addition, numerous anecdotes from the trenches, examples of techniques to try, and plenty of experience-based advice bring important concepts to life.

Written with good humor and enthusiasm for the profession of system administration, as well as a deep appreciation for the power and flexibility of Linux, Linux System Administration will teach you the tricks of the trade, guide your efforts, and serve as a definitive and comprehensive reference.

0201719347B09242001

About the Author

Marcel Gagné is best known as author of the Linux Journal's "Cooking with Linux" series, which has earned the magazine's Readers' Choice award for favorite column four years in a row, and as the regular "Linux Guy" on G4/TechTV Canada. His books include Moving to the Linux Business Desktop and Linux Administration: A User's Guide (both from Addison-Wesley.) He is one of the Linux world's most familiar and respected voices.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 560 pages
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional; 1 edition (September 28, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0201719347
• ISBN-13: 978-0201719345
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.2 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,536,446 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the 'non-idiot' or 'non-dummy'., August 12, 2002

By 

Robert Gamble (Falmouth, MA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Linux System Administration: A User's Guide (Paperback)

...

Simply put, this book is probably one of the best choices for a new user to Linux who has computer experience, and possibly previous UNIX experience. I'm not sure how it would be as a beginner's book because I wasn't a beginner, but I think it would work well as a second book certainly. Even for a beginner, most of the important parts of Linux are focused on. The emphasis is on the basic areas that are important for the average user, or a small business system's administrator. Topics include the file systems, how to do backups, how to set-up hardware (including my personal bugaboo - printers), how to manage users, some good security information, how to use the various GUIs, how to automate tasks, how to get started with programming, etc. Areas like Apache, sendmail and nameservers are covered enough to get started with them, which is probably enough for the average user. One of the strengths is that the book points out ways to use the command prompt and then at least two other (usually) ways to do the same thing with the two most popular windowing systems Gnome and KDE. Another strength is that the book expects you to try things. A topic is introduced, some basic ways to do things are shown and then usually at least one or two more advanced topics, followed by encouragement to explore. There is no CD included, but numerous http links are given throughout.

This book is the one I open first when I have a question that needs answering and should be in most Linux bookshelves. It's easy to read, with some humor sprinkled throughout. The author assumes you're intelligent, which is greatly appreciated. Most of all, the book teaches ways for the home user or small business user to get the most out of their investment.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for tech proficent linux newbies, December 30, 2001

By 

Russell (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Linux System Administration: A User's Guide (Paperback)

Ive been using pc's for about 8 years, building computers and fixing probs with windows, i just recently finished a client support course, and was feeling like something was missing still.

I found it, the lack of control a tech has over windows is extremely frustrating, this book (im now up to page 100) is absolutely magnificent its detailed, yet not boring, fun yet not amateur.

Id HIGHLY recomend it to anyone coming from windows , no matter how much linux knowledge you have.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Linux User's Guide, October 18, 2001

By 

John Jackson (Kitchener, ON CANADA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Linux System Administration: A User's Guide (Paperback)

Marcel Gagne has hit the mark with his user's guide for Linux. It is clearly a valuable tool for both beginners and experienced Linux users. All of the essentials for Linux System Administration are covered in plain language and his tips alone are worth the price of the book. One of the few Linux guide's I have seen that deals with interoperability between Microsoft Windows and Linux in an easy to understand manner. Many System Administrator's support both a Linux and Microsoft Windows environment and this book should be in their toolkit.

John Jackson
Director, I.T.
McCordick Glove & Safety Inc.