Best Linux Book (beginner)??

[wesker]

Hi all..

Whats the best book for a beginner to linux??
I've heard of Running Linux & Linux Complete so far.

Cheers
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[fancypiper]

I like O'Reillys "Linux in a Nutshell". It is a handy reference of commands. After I read through "Running Linux", I haven't picked it up, but I am always referring to "Linux in a Nutshell" for commands.

[dante_d]

I like the Coriolis Open Press books (the "Black Books").

Linux Install and Configuration
and
Setting Up A Linux Internet Server

They're quick and easy to use, and organized by task.

You should probably also have at least one big, advanced Linux book. Not necessarily to read, but to have as a reference when you have to get into the fine details of something. I'm open to suggestions for that category of Linux book myself.

[hswoolve]

I'm going to buck the general trend a bit.

I think Running Linux is excellent to learn linux on, but if you're coming into linux cold, it might not be the best one for you. If your local bookstore/college store has a decent section of linux books go in and browse them to see which one has a writing style you can understand and get information out of.

In a word:
If Linux for Dummies featuring RedHat 5.2 is written at a level you can understand, use it until you outgrow it.

[bobtcowboy]

In one of the NHF's it says something to the effect of "The Distro out there is the one that comes with that big fat book you're going to go out and buy"

Apply that in the reverse... Get a book that comes with a distro and that should help a lot.

Otherwise, "Running Linux, 3rd ed." is a great book (I'm reading it now)... but as someone else said it can be a rough ride if you've got no prior linux experience. It's also kinda dated... at the time of its writing (August 99) the Linux kernel was 2.2.6 ... of course everything in it is still true.. and commands still work and what not

The problem with these books is that none of them are standalone "The Definitive Linux Book" ie, don't plan on relying on just that, be ready to read a lot of man pages/info's/HOWTO's/README's/NHF's and of course, this forum

Bill

[chadm1967]

There's a new edition of "Linux for Dummies" out there (3rd Edition). It includes Red Hat 7. I bought it and use it all the time.

[speddling]

I keep 4 things handy...
Running Linux Linux Network Administrator's Guide Linux in a Nutshell
and
my EZ Linux command reference mouse pad from www.linuxcentral.com (http://www.linuxcentral.com)

...if they don't answer it... I'm here or at www.google.com/linux (http://www.google.com/linux)

it's got me this far :cool:

damn UBB wysiwyg --fixed url tag

[ 18 February 2001: Message edited by: speddling ]

[wesker]

That 1st link doesnt work mate

[wesker]

sorry, yes it does.. 1st time i went to it, it had a [/LIST] on the end of the url for some unknown reason

[GNU/br0wni3]

I've found LNO to be my DEFINITE source for help.

Im the kind of person that has specific questions and no time to read through 500+ pages for finding a 2 line answer.

Thats why i love LNO so much. :D

[tallulah]

I found that getting a command line reference book was the most helpful purchase I have made.

:)

[wesker]

Such as??

[chrisB1]

O'Reillys "Linux in a Nutshell".

It might be a bit heavy at first but you will use it continually.

:)

[FyberOptyx]

There are a few helpful FREE books online, although a little old.
Here (http://www.informit.com)
Check the free library

[tallulah]

Originally posted by wesker:
Such as??

Linux System Commands (The Ultimate Shop Manual) by Patrick Volkerding and Kevin Reichard

[manual_overide]

Almost any O'Reilley Book is awsome. I've found QUE books to be not so bad either.

[Spacepenguin]

This is the best: "A Practical Guide to Linux" by Mark G. Sobell.

When you are fumbling about how to this in vim or emacs or what command to use and the proper syntax this book is you bible. It has been the one linux book I always go back to. Plus it has a foward my Linux himself.

[Grognard]

My choices (on my bookshelf by the computer)

1) Running Linux by Welsh, Dalheimer, and Kaufmann. Good book
2) Linux for Dummies, easy to understand, and really a decent book
3) Linux for Dummies quick reference book. Every command you ever wanted for Linux, including vi, and Emacs.

[wesker]

Which Linux for Dummies are you refering to as Ive just looked on amazon and there are several :confused: