Debian GNU/Linux Bible (Paperback)

~ Steve Hunger (Author) "Welcome to the Debian GNU/Linux Bible where you can find hints, tips, and helpful instructions on most areas of this robust operating system..." (more)
Key Phrases: chat sequence, package management system, smart host, Stylus Color, Network Information System, Red Hat (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Debian GNU/Linux is one of the major Linux distributions available today. It is known as the most open" of the Linux distributions -- for its commitment to the free software principals, and its community-centricism. It is also known for its tradition of high-quality packages and package management tools, as well as its focus on security issues. Debian GNU/Linux® Bible focuses on common apps, GUIs, networking, and system administration.

The Debian Project's Internet-based development model has helped the distribution achieve unparalleled Internet functionality. One of the most popular features in Debian GNU/Linux is "apt-get," which automates free network downloads of all software package updates, making the Debian CD the last CD you will ever need to keep your system up-to-date with Linux."

From the Back Cover

If Debian GNU/Linux can do it, you can do it too … Whether you're a Linux newcomer looking for foolproof installation tips or a Debian GNU/ veteran who wants the scoop on the latest security enhancements, this authoritative guide delivers all the information you need to make the most of the Debian GNU/ "potato" release. From customizing a desktop system to troubleshooting a network or setting up an e-commerce server, it's the only reference you'll ever need to become a Debian GNU/ Linux pro.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 696 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 CD with Debian GNU/Linux 2.2r2 edition (May 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764547100
• ISBN-13: 978-0764547102
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,266,240 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Lacks sufficient depth/detail, title is misleading, August 26, 2002

By	J van Smythe (Calgary) - See all my reviews

Author does an "okay" job of presenting a Linux overview, but if he aims to write a tight, well-indexed, comprehensive compendium of GNU/Debian, he has sorely missed the mark. This is unfortunate, since it is very difficult to find good-quality Debian documentation.
The book seems to have been rushed to market, complete with spelling mistakes and, rather than dish the goods on Debian details, the chapters appear to be little more than overviews, each one ending with a short summary and a small number of URLs, most typically pointers to the linux HOW-TO documents on the web.
The author, like too many others, discusses hardware setup during initial install, but no discussion of what to do if you add something after Debian is installed. (Hint: you'll need 'modconf' for this, and no, it's not in the book). Chapter 5 includes manual file configuration for networking, but the author passes on the opportunity to mention resolv.conf in this discussion.
A couple dozen chapters in similar style are guaranteed to instill a profound sense of resentment in the reader who was hoping for a true Debian-specific volume. All of this is capped by 85 pages of "filler" masquerading as Appendices. Yes, we all know where to find lists of linux commands, and giving us a tedious description of the Debian packages does nothing more than reiterate information we get from running 'dselect'.
.... Save your money for the real Debian "bible"... if it ever gets written.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars second rate at best, July 31, 2001

By	Neil Abrahams (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Not only does the book provide very little insight into and help with using the Debian/GNU distribution, it's riddled with typographical errors and has at least one pair of mislabeled graphics. I believe it was written and edited in a hurry. Notice that nowhere in Brandon Robinson's cover blurb does he say anything about the quality of the book or indicate that he has read it. The QUE book, "Using Linux, Special Edition," on the other hand, is a well-polished and useful work. As an aside, please be aware that, although Debian/GNU Linux may indeed be the "best" distribution in some real sense, it definitely is not for beginners (unless you have a personal tutor).

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It's a Bible book, May 18, 2002

By	Keith "SkydivingNerd" (Wisconsin) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

While this book may not offer in-depth coverage, the Bible books aren't really meant to. It does, however, do a decent job of doing what it's supposed to do, provide introductory material on a wide range of subjects. Providing in-depth coverage in all of the subjects presented in this book would result in 5,000+ pages.

Lets face it, there's not a lot on Debian out there let alone v2.2. For someone just starting out (yes, beginners can use Debian too) this is probably one of the better books to have as it covers installation through basic system administration to setting up servers.

I'm giving it four stars because anyone with realistic expectations of a Bible-type book will find it to be a valuable reference.