The Official Ubuntu Server Book (Paperback)

~ (Author), Benjamin Mako Hill (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Ubuntu Server is a complete, free server operating system that just works, with the extra Ubuntu polish, innovation, and simplicity that administrators love.

Now, there’s a definitive, authoritative guide to getting up-and-running quickly with the newest, most powerful versions of Ubuntu Server. Written by leading members of the Ubuntu community, The Official Ubuntu Server Book covers all you need to know to make the most of Ubuntu Server, whether you’re a beginner or a battle-hardened senior system administrator.

The authors cover Ubuntu Server from start to finish: installation, basic administration and monitoring, security, backup, troubleshooting, system rescue, and much more. They walk through deploying each of the most common server applications, from file and print services to state-of-the-art, cost-saving virtualization.  

In addition, you’ll learn how to

• Make the most of Ubuntu Server’s latest, most powerful technologies
• Discover easy, fast ways to perform key administration tasks
• Automate Ubuntu installs, no matter how many servers you’re installing
• Quickly set up low-cost web servers and email
• Protect your server with Ubuntu’s built-in and optional security tools
• Minimize downtime with fault tolerance and clustering
• Master proven, step-by-step server and network troubleshooting techniques
• Walk through rescuing an Ubuntu server that won’t boot

Two CDs are included, which contain two versions of Ubuntu Server: Ubuntu 8.04 LTS, which is supported by Canonical for five years, and the brand-new, cutting-edge Ubuntu Server 9.04.  

About the Author

Kyle Rankin is a systems architect for Quinstreet, Inc., the current president of the North Bay Linux Users’ Group, the author of Knoppix Hacks, Knoppix Pocket Reference, Linux Multimedia Hacks, and Ubuntu Hacks, and he has contributed to a number of other O’Reilly books. Kyle is also a columnist for Linux Journal and has had articles featured in PC Magazine, TechTarget, and other publications.

Benjamin Mako Hill is a Seattle native working out of Boston, Massachusetts. Mako is a long-time free software developer and advocate. He was part of the founding Ubuntu team, one of the first employees of Canonical, Ltd., and lead author of The Official Ubuntu Book. In addition to some technical work, his charge at Canonical was to help grow the Ubuntu development and user community during the project’s first year. Mako is currently a fellow at the MIT Center for Future Civic Media and a researcher and Ph.D. Candidate at the MIT Sloan School of Management. Mako has continued his involvement with Ubuntu as a member of the Community Council governance board, through development work, and through projects such as this book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 528 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR; 1 Pap/Cdr edition (July 27, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0137021186
• ISBN-13: 978-0137021185
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #159,276 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginners Ubuntu admins but thin book. So don't expect complete coverage, August 12, 2009

By	Jose A. Campo "A+/Net+/MCSA/MCTS SQL2005" (Houston, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

I am not a Linux expert but I've been working for IT for long time ago. So, right now, I could classify myself between intermediate and beginner Linux user. That said and after reading some chapters, I can precisely say this is a good beginners Ubuntu Server book. It covers a lot of material in an easy to read and concise way. No bluff here. Some theory follow by commands or the real way to execute it. The security portion, for instance, covers Ubuntu firewall configuration easy and quick; of course, is just an intro to that complex topic but will allow you to get something running immediately if what you need or want is concise advice. DNS, DHCP, SSH, Mail Server, Web Server topics are covered here but not so in depth. Chapter 2 covers console and linux command topic also, a must for every Linux Administrator. Again, not in depth coverage but enough for basic administration I think.

That said, I like the book. Overall is a good product. Easy to read, especially when you're coming from Windows and GUI world. To get quick advices and make a service operational quickly, this book is for you. If you are a beginner Linux administrator or you are just entering into Linux world, this book is for you. But ... for in depth coverage on areas like security, DNS, Samba, Web server, this book won't fulfill your need for knowledge; Mark Sobell - A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux - is probably a better choice. In fact, I like both books, but I think "Official Ubuntu Server" is easier to understand and in order to get the facts it should be your starting point. Sobell's book is probably the most complete Ubuntu book on the market now, but coverage is so complete that if you are new to some topics, the book turn you off.

5.0 out of 5 stars Packed with keys to success for any Ubuntu user, October 12, 2009

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

College-level collections catering to Linux programmers and developers will find The Official Ubuntu Server Book a top addition to the collection, covering a complete, free server operating system in a guide to getting going quickly. From making the most of Ubuntu Server's latest technologies to automating installs and protecting the server using Ubuntu's built-in security tools, The Official Ubuntu Server Book is packed with keys to success for any Ubuntu user.