Product Description

Respected Linux Journal and Sys Admin columnist Marcel Gagné has written the definitive guide to Linux system administration: a book that will be invaluable for sys admins at all levels of experience, using any leading distribution. Linux System Administration offers hands-on, results-focused coverage of every key Linux configuration and management task. Gagné offers detailed coverage of installation, Linux file management tools and file naming conventions; disks and file systems; users and groups; hardware; X-based graphical desktops; networking; kernel building; printing; and much more. The book contains practical guidance on scripting and automating administration tasks; administration tools; Internet services; security; tuning; and more. Gagné goes far beyond the basics, offering expert guidance on becoming a smarter sys admin -- from avoiding problems to tracking trouble calls and identifying resources that can provide the solutions you need. The book concludes with a series of instant-reference "cheat sheets" designed to help sys admins get the most common jobs done fast. For everyone responsible for administering Linux systems, including both experienced and new sys admins, as well as those migrating from UNIX or Windows environments. Also for power users, and any user or administrator who must maximize the security of their Internet-connected workstations.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #970129 in Books
• Published on: 2001-10-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 560 pages

From the Back Cover

"Gagne is clearly an insider in the Linux community, familiar with both the technical details and the culture, which sets this book apart from others in the field."

--Joseph Sloan, Lead System Administrator, Mirai Consulting

This comprehensive, hands-on guide to Linux system administration provides you with the deeper understanding of the inner workings of Linux and the pragmatic techniques you need to become an outstanding Linux system administrator--whether you are a career administrator in a corporate environment or simply administering your home system.

Written both for those who are new to Linux and those who are already proficient and wish to hone their skills, Linux System Administration starts with the basics and builds up to more sophisticated material.

You will find complete coverage of all major system administration topics:

• Linux versus UNIX
• Installation tips and tricks
• Working effectively with the Linux command line
• Organizing and working with system users
• Disks, file systems, backup, and restore
• The inner workings of X and the graphical desktop
• Configuring and using scanners, CD-Recordables, and other devices
• Internet connectivity
• Finding, building, and installing software
• Kernel building and renovation
• Scripting and automation
• Network administration, electronic mail, and Web services
• Integrating Windows with Linux
• System logs and accounting
• Security and firewalls
• Performance monitoring and tuning

Using standard Linux tools (PostgreSQL, Apache, Perl, and more) this book will help you deploy a feature-rich corporate intranet featuring online discussion groups, bulletin boards, a company phone directory, and a document center. You will also learn everything you need to know to install a complete electronic mail and Internet gateway solution for your home or office on a single, shared connection. In addition, numerous anecdotes from the trenches, examples of techniques to try, and plenty of experience-based advice bring important concepts to life.

Written with good humor and enthusiasm for the profession of system administration, as well as a deep appreciation for the power and flexibility of Linux, Linux System Administration will teach you the tricks of the trade, guide your efforts, and serve as a definitive and comprehensive reference.

About the Author

Marcel Gagné is best known as author of the Linux Journal's "Cooking with Linux" series, which has earned the magazine's Readers' Choice award for favorite column four years in a row, and as the regular "Linux Guy" on G4/TechTV Canada. His books include Moving to the Linux Business Desktop and Linux Administration: A User's Guide (both from Addison-Wesley.) He is one of the Linux world's most familiar and respected voices.

Customer Reviews

An excellent introduction to system administration
Marcel Gagne is the author of the regular Linux Journal column 'Cooking with Linux'. As such he is perfectly placed to write such a book; he clearly unstands both wherof he talks and, perhaps more importantly, to whom he is talking.

The book, written in the same whimsical style as the column, provides material suitable for the novice-to-proficient user.

Topics covered include Linux installation, distribution differences (and Linux Vs UNIX), effective command line use (inc scripting and automation), user admin, system monitoring & tuning, disks & file system admin, network admin (inc web & e-m@il), X, printing, firewalls & security, obtaining building & installing software (inc Kernel), and also configuring and using devices such as CD-Rs and scanners.

Many hands-on examples are given throughout the book, and much of the material is illustrated with real-life stories to emphasise the points being made.

In short, a book that will be teach you the subject from the ground-up and become an excellent reference text thereafter.

Excellent and entertaining
An excellent book, written very much in the style of Marcel Gagne's monthly column in the Linux Journal... it manages to entertain as well as inform. This is one of the few computer textbooks which can be described as a "compelling read", and basic administration concepts are explained very clearly and thoroughly without assuming any kind of prior knowledge. This book does have a slant towards Red Hat users (as this is what Mr Gagne uses) but not so much that users of other Linux flavours cannot learn a lot from this marvellously written book.

Excellent road map
If you read this book and try out the examples, system administration will suddenly seem less scary-at least it worked for me. Marcel has a relaxed style of writing that made it easy to get through features that used to sound too intimidating to me. It's a road map of the country, compared to a city map. If there's something that isn't explained here, you can always have a dry "bible" handy for the nitty-gritty. This book lays out the tracks for you. (...)