Linux Quick Fix Notebook (Bruce Perens' Open Source) [Paperback]

In typical Linux "bibles," reserve the last third coverage for advanced topics

that sys admins use on a day by day basis. They tend to cover the underlying

concepts reasonably well, but fall short on hands-on instructions, forcing

admins to buy specialty books. This book sufficiently expands the advanced

sections found in these "bibles," providing step-by step instructions on how to

configure the most popular Linux back office applications.

To avoid confusion between the many flavors of Linux, each with it's own

GUI interface, this book exclusively uses the command line to illustrate the

tasks needed to be done. It provides all the expected screen output when

configuring the most commonly used Linux applications to help assure the

reader that they are doing the right thing. The Notebook also includes many of

the most commonly encountered errors with explanations of their causes and

how to fix them. The book's format is aimed at sys admins who often have to

do advanced tasks in which the underlying theory is understood, but the

commands to do it are forgotten or at the tips of their tongues.

As the line between power users and administrators continues to blur, as

computers move from the data center to the desktop, as Linux and Windows

gain equal footing in business, it becomes harder to remember and do it all.

This is the guide that gives admins the answers they need to common problems

and tasks, allowing them time to eat lunch.

"Where has this book been all my professional life? It is about time someone wrote this book. The author covers many basic, practical issues that other authors omit in a format that makes for a great troubleshooting reference and for casual perusing. There are a lot of books available that give a broad overview of system and network administration, and there are a lot of detailed books on each specific topic covered in this book, but I don't know of any other place where I can get so much useful, practical information on such a wide range of topics in such a concise and readable form. I will highly recommend it to my friends and colleagues who are trying to manage their own systems. I am anxious to show it to our instructors who teach data communications and networks as a possible text or lab manual."

—Ron McCarty, instructor and program chair, Computer Science, Penn State Erie

"This book takes a very unique approach and is very flexible. It offers a great deal to the home user, students, small businesses—all the way to any Linux sys admin that needs a handy reference. I found it very refreshing in terms of style, stated goals, presentation, ease of use, direction, and the "present and future" value of the content. In other words the author is very current and knowledgeable. I would recommend this book to every level from programmer to manager."

—Joe Brazeal, Information Technician III, Southwest Power Pool

"This book is an excellent resource for new Linux administrators. I was impressed with the comprehensive set of 35 topic chapters, making this book a very useful reference. I know of no other work like this."

—George Vish II, Linux curriculum program manager and senior education consultant, Hewlett-Packard Education

"I would recommend this book to novice Linux users and administrators. It covers a lot of topics, and makes it easy for readers to follow along."

—Bret Strong, education consultant, Hewlett-Packard Company

"Linux Quick Fix Notebook is a well-written guide to designing, installing, and maintaining Linux servers. Many Linux reference texts are just simple rewrites of Linux ¨man¨ and ¨info¨ pages, but this book addresses the real issues that systems administrators encounter when working with Linux. The author provides a pedagogical guide to learning Linux server administration. In addition, the book includes step-by-step information so that users can quickly take advantage of the best that open source software has to offer today. I would recommend this book to both beginning and intermediate users of Linux."

—Joseph Naberhaus, Professor of Networking, Universidad Del Mar

An indispensable guide for every Linux administrator

Instant access to precise, step-by-step solutions for every essential Linux administration task

From basic configuration and troubleshooting to advanced security and optimization

If you're responsible for delivering results with Linux, Linux® Quick Fix Notebook brings together all the step-by-step instructions, precise configuration commands, and real-world guidance you need. This distilled, focused, task-centered guide was written for sysadmins, netadmins, consultants, power users...everyone whose livelihood depends on making Linux work, and keeping it working.

This book's handy Q&A format gives you instant access to specific answers, without ever forcing you to wade through theory or jargon. Peter Harrison addresses virtually every aspect of Linux administration, from software installation to security, user management to Internet services—even advanced topics such as software RAID and centralized LDAP authentication. Harrison's proven command-line examples work quickly and efficiently, no matter what Linux distribution you're using. Here's just some of what you'll learn how to do:

• Build Linux file/print servers and networks from scratch

• Troubleshoot Linux and interpret system error messages

• Control every step of the boot process

• Create, manage, secure, and track user accounts

• Install, configure, and test Linux-based wireless networks

• Protect your network with Linux iptables firewalls

• Set up Web, e-mail, DNS, DHCP, and FTP servers

• And much more...

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