by Matt Welsh, Matthias Kalle Dalheimer, and Lar Kaufman

O'Reilly Press

Using Linux isn't hard; it just takes a little bit of persistence and some good documentation. Fortunately, you don't have to scour the 'net to find the details you need, for Matt Welsh, Matthias Kalle Dalheimer, and Lar Kaufman, Linux experts extrordinaire, have written Running Linux, the one stop shopping guide to Linux.

The book, written for beginners and alpha geeks alike, begins with an instillation guide, explaining the steps needed to install a successful Linux distribution. The next proceeds to use simple explanations to the most common Linux commands. Once the Authors have familiarized you with the basics, they move on to other extremely useful topics, like rebooting and shutting down, managing user accounts and file-systems, and using compression utilities like gunzip and tar. Once the authors bring the reader to a working knowledge of Linux, they spread out into more complex topics, such as installing and upgrading software, compiling a new kernel, making backups, fixing emergencies, using text editors, running a window environment, networking with a LAN or the 'net, running a web server, running Windows programs, and even programming. The information is accurate, easy to understand, and all highly useful.

Not only is the information useful, but it is presented in an easily understood manner. Here's an example:

Running a Linux system is not unlike riding and taking care of a motorcycle. Many motorcycle hobbyists prefer caring for their own equipment, cleaning the points, replacing worn out parts, and so forth. Linux gives you the opportunity to experience the same kind of "hands on" maintenance with a complex operating system.

However, when the time comes to be totally clear and succinct, the authors are not afraid to simply list a block of commands, explaining them in detail, of course. This style combination of a hands-on guide with a reference book makes Running Linux the ideal handbook for everyday Linux use.

What can I say but Three Thumbs up to a book that was instrumental in helping my own transition from dual booting with Windows to running a Linux only desktop machine. I am confident that you will come to love this book like I do, never keeping its valuable pages more than an arm's reach away.