Linux Administration: A Beginner's Guide

Fully updated for the most current Linux distributions, Linux Administration: A Beginner's Guide, Fifth Edition, shows you how to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux on a single server or an entire network. Get full details on granting user rights and permissions, configuring software and hardware, providing Internet and intranet services, and customizing Linux kernel 2.6. You'll also learn how to get your network services IPv6 ready, implement sound security, create foolproof system backups, and use the latest virtualization technologies. Real-world, hands-on examples are included throughout.

• Install and configure popular Linux distributions, including Fedora 9, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, OpenSuSE, and Ubuntu
• Manage users, permissions, files, folders, and applications
• Administer Linux servers from the GUI or from the command line (shell)
• Understand and manage file systems in Linux
• Compile, tune, and customize Linux kernel 2.6
• Build robust firewalls and routers using netfilter and Linux
• Manage the Linux TCP/IP networking stack and services for both IPv4 and IPv6
• Build and deploy Web, e-mail, and FTP servers
• Use NIS, NFS, LDAP, and Samba for resource sharing and identity management
• Set up and administer print, DNS, POP3, IMAP3, and DHCP servers
• Implement Linux virtualization technologies, including the native KVM platform

But this is no mere command reference or novice's introduction. Shah doesn't shy away from explaining the really interesting aspects of Linux administration, including kernel compilation, Domain Name Service (DNS) configuration, sendmail setup, and establishing firewall protection with IP chaining. For all of these subjects (and many more), this book includes clear statements of what concepts are relevant, which commands to issue, and what to expect in response. It's a great help in self-guided explorations. It's also worth having this book on hand for work assignments--you'll find complete recipes for configuring all major Internet and local area network (LAN) services that also take into account easy maintenance and security. --David Wall

Topics covered: Administering Linux 2.2.x (particularly Red Hat, Caldera, and SuSE distributions). Installation, initial configuration, using the bash command shell, managing files, managing software, and granting rights to users. DNS, FTP, Apache, sendmail, Samba, and other services receive lots of attention.

---

All Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Makes things so much easier, 2008-10-24
I have been working as a systems admin for the last 6 months. I wish i had this book when i first started. It breaks things up clearly and is easy to follow. It is the only book that I have read on the subject that can be read from cover to cover instead of as a reference.


1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Fantastic!, 2008-01-30
This book is a god-sent book for beginner Linux administrators! I just can't stress enough how perfectly good the book is laid-out, how it is easy to read, and at the same time how good it covers the topics, given the book size, and the size of topics (some of them needs BOOKS to be covered).

By reading the book I went from a Webmin-dependent user who only had _some_ ideas of how the stuff works on my servers, to person who can administer server using command-line only, and actually understand what I'm doing, most of the time :)
Sure, there's a lot to learn, as the book doesn't cover it all, but once you finish reading it, you'll be standing on a very solid ground from which you can go to higher levels of Linux administration knowledge.


0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Linux Admjnistration:A Beginners Guide, 2007-10-10
The product was in A one shape,it took four days to receive. I give them five stars.


1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Wow! , 2007-02-22
This a well written book, easy to ready and contains wealth of information for any Linux enthusiast or on IT professional. Whether you're studying for your Linux certification, learning Linux administration from scratch, or just need a solid companion in the world of Linux administration - this book is a must have! It's a 4edition and it must tell you something, at least.

What makes this book a steal is the variety of information presented. Don't be alarmed by its 600 pages. Every bit of it is important. As in many Linux books though, some topics are so complex they require additional information, especially if you need more in depth knowledge. However, whether it's Samba, LDAP, FTP, Apache, Kernel compilation - the information is presented in a very well organized manner.

You must note though, this is a Beginner's Guide. If you are a seasoned Linux admin, this book is probably not for you.

5 stars!


3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Wonderful, 2006-08-15
This book does the best job i've seen covering all the aspects needed to make the move from windows to linux administration. It also makes for an excellent reference for someone just starting out in linux that need a foothold to get going. I just wish I had found this book 3 years ago when i first started playing around with linux, it would have made my life so much easier. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in linux.

Price is accurate as of the date/time indicated. Prices and product availability are subject to change. Any price displayed on the Amazon website at the time of purchase will govern the sale of this product.