Running Linux. One- Stop Shopping Guide to Linux [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

"Running Linux" claims on its cover to be "One-Stop Shopping Guide to Linux." They aren't far off. With information ranging from installation to programming tips to TCP/IP, it packs a lot of information into a rather compact binding.

I have only one complaint about "Running Linux." Unfortunately, the book really glosses over some basic Unix system administration and commands that are absolutely necessary for the beginner to be able to be productive with the book and the operating system. If this is your first book on Linux, I strongly recommend getting a companion volume such as a command reference or novice Unix System Administration tutorial. Use "Running Linux" to get concepts, then consult the companion volume when you sit down at the computer to make things work. You will have a lot more fun and a lot less frustration in the long term.

Overall, I have nothing but good things to say about the book. I found it extremely helpful. The text is very readable and well organized. I highly recommend it for all Linux users!

If you're new to Linux and want to buy only 1 book that will get you up and running in no time: look no further, this is it.

In 28 chapters it gives an overview of more or less everything, from installation over available games and office software to network configuration and kernel compilation.

My one and only major point of criticism is that it tries to be everything to everyone and that approach is doomed to frustrate readers: anyone with a basic knowledge of software does not need to read in excruciating detail how a document is produced in a WYSIWYG word processor or how games like Tux Racer or Unreal Tournament are played. Yet the book dedicates lots of pages to these seemingly trivial concepts. Anyone who needs to read the topics mentioned above will imho have trouble grasping, let alone implementing the more technical subjects like kernel compilation and running multiple linuxes that are also treated but would have (imho) merited more attention.

Conclusion: A good general overview for beginning Linux enthousiasts. It offers a taste of everything but if you're really hungry after specific technical info or want to go under the hood you'll need to buy additional books.

Running Linux grew out of LIGS as its expanded and professionally edited version. This has its pluses and minuses. When it came out, there were hardly any other books on Linux available, so it tried to teach the reader everything, from Linux installation to Unix administration, from the command shell basics to compiling the kernel, and from using the C compiler to configuration of X Windows. Its breadth is thus encyclopedic, and yet it is surprisingly sharp at details. The third edition added all the things that happened since: KDE, GNOME, Samba... It may be my personal feeling only, but the new chapters somewhat stick out, without really growing into the tissue of the text.

More important, the book fails to recognize that the structure of new Linux users changed since 1995. At the time, it was written as a "getting started" guide, and it served its role perfectly. However, nowadays you cannot assume any more that every new Linux user is familiar with command line commands or other Unix systems. Therefore I don't think I could still recommend Running Linux as a beginner's guide.

Being one of the top-selling books on Linux, it doesn't need any particular recommendation, anyway. Still, Running Linux is a book edited to high O'Reilly standards, and written by some of the most knowledgeable people in Linux community - which is to many a definite plus compared to books written by journalists. I would say its best target population are seasoned Unix users wanting to try Linux, technically minded people in general, and CS students in particular. Others might find its learning curve somewhat steep.