Good place to start learning linux

[jl123]

I'm a newbie to all of this and I really need a resource book of some kind either online or in the bookstore. I want to learn linux from the bottom up. Point me in the right direction.

Thanks
~Joel

[mrBen]

'Running Linux' from O'Reilly (3rd Edition) is the set text, although it's not designed specifically for newbies. 'Linux for Dummies' is a reasonably good read too. The best way to learn is to just install and then work it from there (always making sure you still have an internet connection to get here from ;) ). Most people tend to learn most from giving it a go.

[z0mbix]

I agree, 'Running Linux' is excellent as is 'Using Linux' by Que. Also, make www.google.com/linux (http://www.google.com/linux) your best friend. :D

[DMR]

As said before:
Running Linux (http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/runux3/). I'm never without it. (really; it follows me around in my backpack whenever I leave the house)
I'd also heavily suggest O'Reilly's UNIX Power Tools (http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/upt2/).

In terms of online documentation, you can't do without the resources found at The Linux Documentation Project (LDP) (http://www.linuxdoc.org)

And, as cheeky_zombie said: www.google.com/linux (http://www.google.com/linux) (see my sig).

BTW- cheeky, great sig!

[paulb]

They have everything: Linux Step By Step (http://sxs.sandbox.dynip.com/stepbystep.html)

Also, LNO (Linux Newbie.Org) is great.

[ 06 December 2001: Message edited by: paulb ]

[Strike]

Agreed with the above sentiments totally. A big fat book (we're talking several pounds here) is (IMO) one of the best and easiest ways to learn Linux. Especially coupled with a board like this one to take your questions that aren't answered by the book.

[Chatterjee]

running linux.

[chadm1967]

I really like, "A Practical Guide to Linux" by Mark G. Sobell. It was published in 1997 and is one of the best books out there if you want to learn the "insides" of Linux. Now, of course, it's a little outdated if you want to read about window managers and it doesn't talk at all about installing different distributions (I'm lad it doesn't, by the way). The foreword was written by Linus Torvalds and he had nothing but praise for the author. The book is used by many universities to teach Linux and UNIX.



I emailed the author last week asking if there are any plans of publishing a second edition. He promptly responded and said that he's been working night and day on the next edition. Personally, I can't wait!


:)

[ 06 December 2001: Message edited by: chadm1967 ]

[jl123]

Hey thanks a lot guys. Yeah I want to give a big book a chance as far as learning something. In the past I have just screwed around with stuff and learned as I go. Linux doesn't seem very friendly to learning as you go. I appriciate the links to the books. You guys are great.


I'll be around

~Joel

[yawningdog]

Mandrakecampus.com

[evil_roy]

Originally posted by chadm1967:
<STRONG>I really like, "A Practical Guide to Linux" by Mark G. Sobell. It was published in 1997 and is one of the best books out there if you want to learn the "insides" of Linux. Now, of course, it's a little outdated if you want to read about window managers and it doesn't talk at all about installing different distributions (I'm lad it doesn't, by the way). The foreword was written by Linus Torvalds and he had nothing but praise for the author. The book is used by many universities to teach Linux and UNIX.



I emailed the author last week asking if there are any plans of publishing a second edition. He promptly responded and said that he's been working night and day on the next edition. Personally, I can't wait!


:)

[ 06 December 2001: Message edited by: chadm1967 ]</STRONG>

Great news. 2nd ed should be great - it needs an update. having said that, this book is the best I've come across by a long shot. Much more accessible than "Running Linux" . I own both and Running Linux tends to gather dust whilst "A Practical Guide" is dog eared from all the use. The layout can't be beat.

[rick420]

See sig below :)