good books for newbie?

[Shelly]

I am new to Linux and was hoping maybe some people out there could recommend some good books that explain Linux (including command line commands, file structures, application installations, etc.)Basically, I have used Windows for years and know it quite well. I want to learn the little tricks for Linux now. I am using Mandrake 8.1 and need help.

One other question, when you install a program from RPM, how do you tell Linux where to install it? Where does it default to? Thx

[bdg1983]

The Linuxnewbie Bookshelf. (http://www.linuxnewbie.org/bookshelf/bs-1.html)

[mrBen]

The ultimate reference is probably 'Running Linux' from O'Reilly, although it's not newbie oriented, but handy to have lying about. I found that both Linux for Dummies and Unix for Dummies were surprisingly good and helpful, especially for learning the command line (which is what its all about ;) )

As for RPMs, when you install an RPM the installation part of the package tells it where to install. I'm not entirely sure that there is a way to make it change easily.

[X_console]

Get one book that deals with Linux in general, and another that deals with your distribution.

[danrees]

Be warned that once you have bought a basic Linux book such as these "Linux in 24 hours" titles that are floating around, you'll almost certainly have to go out and buy something like Running Linux anyway. My advice would be to start with Running Linux and if there's something you can't quite grasp, look on the internet.

[Shelly]

Thx guys