Linux: The Complete Reference

Reader Reviews
This may well be Richard Petersen's best Linux Reference book to date as it is well written and appeals to the novice as well as the system administrator. This doesn't mean that someone with no Linux experience is going to get that dream system without putting forth some effort, but it does mean that if you have had exposure to Linux this book is for you. Moving from one operating system to another is no easy task, but neither is compiling the kernel. Petersen makes the transition easier by thoughtfully including step-by-step instructions. He also includes a myriad of screenshots to help configure the first system, or the first firewall, and he didn't forget seasoned users. The advanced user will not feel neglected for this manual includes kernel and compiler information, libraries and programming tools, as well as hundreds of command lines and options, debuggers, and scripts plus tips and tricks to keep your system running smoothly. Petersen includes comprehensive and detailed information on security and encryption, networks and Internet servers, as well as pointers to many helpful WWW sites. Linux is a true work in progress. Changes can occur weekly and sometimes even hourly. New distributions, new programs and new ideas emerge almost as rapidly. Petersen wisely chose to add even more detailed information for the most popular distros: Red Hat, Linux, SuSE and Caldera. And although Red Hat 7.0 and Caldera eDesktop 2.4, are the only distributions included on CD, first time users should be comfortable with Red Hat's windows manager GUI interface, and themes which change the look and feel of the desktop much like "skins" change the look and feel of Winamp. Even though I am not a seasoned Linux user I am very comfortable with Petersen's latest edition - more so than with his previous work. I find it to be resourceful, comprehensive and user friendly. I particularly like the improved layout in this edition which includes more screenshots and better defined explanations. My only mildly disagreeableis that he didn't include my favorite distribution. If a stable and reliable system is in your future then this is the one reference book that you absolutely cannot be without. I give it two thumbs up.