Red Hat Linux 9 Bible (Bible (Wiley)) [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

+980 pages of information, the book was so simple to read I managed to complete it in 2 days.

Alot of other boks simply point to online references this book is what you require, you will be referring to it on daily basis, I think the best approach is to read the whole book first then go through it once again step by step chapter by chapter.

The most important aspects of securing the server the network setups, mysql apache and sendmail all covered as well as non bias information to other 3rd party applications the writer simply puts across his point of view and lets you decide from the option paths yo want to take.

Kudus to the writer simply the best buy.

Luckily, I read-through about one-third of the book before trying the installation. I successfully installed Linux on a Compaq Presario, although the BIOS always over-rides any O.S. disk, other than the restoration disk (98) that came with the system. I compared the Linux Bible information to my MCSE 2000 kit and decided to set-up two FAT 16 partitions, two FAT 32 partitions, and leave the rest of the disk unpartitioned. Note: my first experiment, with only one FAT 16 partition was unsuccessful, and the Boot record was toast. Two FAT 16 partitions allowed me to retain the boot record and dual-boot, properly. The Linux Bible informed me about leaving the rest of the hard drive unpartitioned, in preparation for the Linux installation.

Even on the Compaq Presario--with the BIOS over-ride issue--I was able to dual-boot with MS Windows and Linux (although I am a newbie to Linux, and this was my first insatllation of Linux), thanks to The Linux Bible. Now, despite the fact that the BIOS only wants Windows 98, I can successfully boot Linux, 98 & 2000 on the same machine. Most people probably would-have just flashed the Motherboard BIOS, but this was my Mom's PC, at the time I was experimenting. 98 keeps the BIOS happy, and I need the FAT 16 partitions for Linux, so this set-up works well--without flashing the BIOS (and risking damage to the Motherboard).
Important note: the Linux Bible taught me to install the Windows Operating systems first, to preserve the Master Boot record--which I did. However, if I made Windows the primary O.S., it dusted Linux. So, I made Linux the Primary boot O.S., and DOS secondary. Now, when I boot, I can choose Linux (or let it automatically load), or choose DOS, then choose between 98 or 2000.
Without The Linux Bible I would not have had a clue how to trick the BIOS and install Linux on the Compaq Presario.
Also, I found The Linux Bible to be extremely helpful, once the O.S. was installed and I could tear myself away from the Astroids game--which is rather addictive.
I strongly suggest The Linux Bible to other Newbies. You can find all of the informmation you need--including the Shell commands. This book seems to be the perfect introduction / Initiation into Linux. I also purchased "Linux in a Nutshell" (O'Reilly), but it seems to be written for people who already know what they are doing and already know how to install Linux.