Debian GNU Linux 3.1 Bible

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 672 pages
• Published by: Wiley August 12, 2005
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0764576445
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0764576447
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1.6 inches
• Weighs: 2.3 pounds

Product Description

• Comprehensive, beginning-to-advanced coverage of Debian GNU/Linux, which boasts an estimated installed base of 1.75 million servers and a year-to-year growth rate of 25 percent
• Debian GNU/Linux is free, supported by HP, and is often cited as the most stable and reliable Linux distribution-which makes it a great alternative for users put off by Red Hat's pricey Enterprise Linux and unsupported Fedora
• Written by an active and widely recognized member of the Debian community and featuring a foreword by the Debian Project Leader
• Features the basic distribution on one CD-ROM as well as a mini disk that allows users to explore Debian GNU/Linux without actually installing it

Back Cover Copy
If Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 can do it, you can do it too

Debian is a complex project, but this comprehensive reference will guide you through the process of setting up, using, and administering a Debian GNU/Linux system. This book teaches you the commands, configuration setups, and best practices to use Debian productively on the desktop, Internet, and intranet servers. You'll learn about the thousands of software packages available for Debian, and how to create your own packages and make them available for other Debian users.

Inside, you'll find complete coverage of Debian GNU/Linux 3.1

• Understand the features that make Debian unique among Linux distributions
• Install Debian, use the shell and filesystem, and install and manage software packages
• Understand basic Debian system administration including managing user access, performing backups, and securing your system
• Run Debian using the KDE and GNOME desktop environments
• Configure graphics and sound, play games, and handle Internet, desktop publishing, and multimedia applications
• Provide Internet services on a home or corporate network, including e-mail, FTP, and Web servers
• Set up an intranet and manage file, print, and database services
• Use a Secure Shell connection to access your Debian system remotely
• Use the Debian platform for software development and understand Debian policy, the New Maintainer process, and packaging fundamentals

Reader Reviews
Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 Bible (DGL3B) is a good book if your expectations match its content. This can be difficult when the cover bears this somewhat misleading quote by Debian founder Ian Murdock: "This book contains everything you need to know to get the most out of Debian, from installing it to tapping into its vast repositories of software." That quote should have been applied to Martin Krafft's book "The Debian System," which I read right after DGL3B. Those new to Linux will like DGL3B, but those experienced in Linux but new to Debian should read Krafft's book instead. Why is DGL3B a Linux beginner's book? Consider the installation recommendation given on p 25 that says "all files in one partition is the best choice." This is really not the "best choice" for anyone in my opinion. If you're new to Linux and you just want to get an operational system, then following this recommendation is acceptable. I found the installation instructions in chapter 2 to be weak. It spent far too little time on the peculiarities of Debian installation, which is very different from the slicker GUIs seen in Red Hat or other distributions. Beyond the installation chapter, DGL3B covers all of the topics one would expect to see in a book for new Linux or Unix users. Ch 3 describes using a command line shell and the Linux filesystem. Ch 4 covers software management. Ch 5 discusses basic system administration while ch 6 gives advice on performing backups. I thought the explanation of std in, std out, and std err on p 67 was helpful. The backup section introduced me to rdiff-backup, which I now use on FreeBSD. With the conclusion of Part I, readers will not see truly Debian-centric material again until Part V. Ch 7 begins Part II, with 6 chapters on Linux as a desktop. Topics include graphics, sound, desktop environments, Web browsers, mail clients, publishing software, multimedia apps, and games. Almost all of this material could have appeared in any Linux or Unix book. Since I don't run Linux or fancy desktops, I learned of a few apps that had passed under my radar like Epiphany, Boa, and Vsftpd. Ch 13 begins Part III, with 6 chapters in Linux as a server. Topics include security, email/Web/FTP/DNS servers, and remote access. The discussion of SSH forwarding taught me a trick about reverse tunnels. Ch 19 started Part IV, with 6 chapters on Intranet services. Again, these could be applied to any Linux environment. DHCP, NFS, Samba, OpenLDAP, IMAP, POP, CUPS, PostgreSQL, and MySQL make appearances. Part V finishes the book, with 3 chapters on the Debian community, building packages, and the Debian archives. I welcomed this material as it was more Debian-centric than the previous 18 chapters. Your opinion of DGL3B depends heavily on what you want to learn from reading the book. If you're new to Linux and want more of an overview of doing common tasks on a non-Windows platform like Debian, then DGL3B is for you. If you're an experienced Linux or Unix user who wants to learn deeper insights into Debian, I recommend Krafft's book.