Customer Reviews

Linux System Administration: A User's Guide

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

May not be the best, but not bad for 6$. It was in very good condition when arrived,but took longer than expected.

I bought this book mostly based on the reviews (...). I wanted a book that was broad, informative,and easy on the beginner and I got it. As a bonus it is also pretty entertaining, as Marcels' writing style is humorous and flavorful rather than the dry/info only style I see a lot in computer texts. It covers a lot of ground. The only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars, is I thought it was a little light on many topics. As you can see from browsing through right here, many topics only get a page or two. On the other hand, that also means it covers a great many topics and gives enough to provide a basic understanding that will aid you in knowing which direction to go when you are through. Well worth the $$$.

I looked this book over very carefully at a local bookseller and it strikes me as one the best written books out of the many that exist, for helping linux users understanding the rather esoteric ways that linux works. It has practical hands-on quick explanations to learn the inner workings of linux that will help a linux user understand how to maintain, use, and solve problems with their linux machine. I plan on buying this book ASAP!

Marcel Gagne's Linux System Administration A User's Guide is by far the best book on linux I have read. I have gone through a number of different books regarding linux, but this one I find myself refering back to over and over again. There is something in here for seasoned linux administrators and linux newbies alike. If you are looking for a one stop shop linux book this is it!! In the past I would have to refer to a number of different books to find what I needed, but this book has it all. Easy to read and understand. Top notch job - highly recommended!

Vince Scimeca
Senior IT Manager
Jupitermedia

...

Simply put, this book is probably one of the best choices for a new user to Linux who has computer experience, and possibly previous UNIX experience. I'm not sure how it would be as a beginner's book because I wasn't a beginner, but I think it would work well as a second book certainly. Even for a beginner, most of the important parts of Linux are focused on. The emphasis is on the basic areas that are important for the average user, or a small business system's administrator. Topics include the file systems, how to do backups, how to set-up hardware (including my personal bugaboo - printers), how to manage users, some good security information, how to use the various GUIs, how to automate tasks, how to get started with programming, etc. Areas like Apache, sendmail and nameservers are covered enough to get started with them, which is probably enough for the average user. One of the strengths is that the book points out ways to use the command prompt and then at least two other (usually) ways to do the same thing with the two most popular windowing systems Gnome and KDE. Another strength is that the book expects you to try things. A topic is introduced, some basic ways to do things are shown and then usually at least one or two more advanced topics, followed by encouragement to explore. There is no CD included, but numerous http links are given throughout.

This book is the one I open first when I have a question that needs answering and should be in most Linux bookshelves. It's easy to read, with some humor sprinkled throughout. The author assumes you're intelligent, which is greatly appreciated. Most of all, the book teaches ways for the home user or small business user to get the most out of their investment.

If Linux and all the promise it holds for the world has not won you over yet, Marcel Gagne's clear and entertaining writing will.

His book, Linux System Administration: A User's Guide, starts with the basics ("What is Linux? Why Linux?") and within a few pages has you trying things you thought were part of the magical domain of "Linux gurus" : installation and disk partitions and swap files ..."and lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" -- Marcel enthusiastically pulls back the curtain and shows us the wizard at work, and invites us to try the tricks of the trade.

And the book is packed full: graphical desktops, internet firewalls, security against crackers, shell programming.
Especially handy is at the end of each of the 25 chapters is a list of Resources on the Web -- the end of each chapter is only the beginning.

But none of this would come off if it weren't Marcel's relaxed and inviting (and award-winning) writing style, which kept me reading -- and keyboarding -- well past my bedtime.

I can't say enough good things about the author's style or the content. Enough has been said already about the friendly tempo, so I'll let that rest.

The one thing I really wanted to mention, though, is the lack of quality binding in this book. I feel that if I spend this much money for a book, I'm probably going to want to use it as a reference for years to come. Unfortunately, this book has a minimal cover (after one day, the front and back covers had curled, and after picking it up only FIVE times, the back cover is splitting), and the paper is so thin, not only can I see through the pages, but the type shows through even with the pages laying flat! Terrible quality, Addison-Wesley should be absolutely ashamed of themselves...

I wouldn't bring this up, except for the fact that there is no disc included with the book, so no searchable PDF or HTML version is available for you to backup to.

Otherwise, buy this book. Just treat it carefully... :)

As the administrator of several small networks in my county It fell upon me to administer a network that I was not completely familiar with. A Linux network! To my horror, it was necessary to educate myself on Linux system administration in a very short time. Marcel Gagné has a very easy to read style that does not seem too techie, yet provides a good deal of the basic technical support information that I required. He covers topics from system installation to working with daemons to installing software, basic networking services configurations to tuning and monitoring, security facilities to simplified administration and troubleshooting. The best part of all is that the book is actually enjoyable to read! This is a must have for those of us who don't wish to wade through hours and hours of Internet searches for How-tos and user groups to find the answers to many common administrative tasks.

Ive been using pc's for about 8 years, building computers and fixing probs with windows, i just recently finished a client support course, and was feeling like something was missing still.

I found it, the lack of control a tech has over windows is extremely frustrating, this book (im now up to page 100) is absolutely magnificent its detailed, yet not boring, fun yet not amateur.

Id HIGHLY recomend it to anyone coming from windows , no matter how much linux knowledge you have.

Mr. Gagne exhibits a very easy reading style when explaining a subject as complex as Linux. The writing style is not too "techie" as to assume you possess extensive knowledge of the subject while at the same time doesn't treat you as if you're an idiot and know nothing - it stikes a very nice balance that makes for good reading. He actually makes what many would consider a dull subject interesting by injecting humor and variety.

Mr. Gagne includes only pertinent information that is both practical and useful. He doesn't dwell on the theoretical or any side issues.

In summary, I believe he achieves the goal of the book - to provide sufficient information to the reader in order for them to become an effective administrator of a Linux system.