Linux Journal: Book Review: Linux for the Rest of Us
Mar 10, 2003, 13:00 (0 Talkback[s])
(Other stories by Sean Tierney)
"A great many Linux books are available, covering the gamut from
installation and advanced configuration through networks,
programming and many other special uses. The majority of these
books are lengthy, containing volumes of information. Those new to
Linux often find them intimidating. So what should the Linux
neophyte do? Turn to Linux for the Rest of Us, of course. Mark
Rais' new book promises to be readable and to offer the information
and first-hand knowledge the beginner needs.
"The meat of the book is divided into five sections, for a total
of 22 chapters and an appendix. Although the book is short and to
the point, 108 pages, it does not skimp on information. Much of it
reads like a technical or instruction manual, but with some
real-world experience mixed in.
"The first section, Raw Basics, takes the reader from starting
his or her first Linux installation, through manipulating files and
an introduction to the command prompt and many of the basic
commands. The chapter on installation has a distinct Red Hat
orientation. It covers types of installs, partitioning, network
configuration and boot loaders. This section also touches on dual
booting, a topic likely to interest users coming from other
operating systems. The author wisely encourages the reader to seek
additional information on dual booting before attempting it.
Despite targeting a particular Linux distribution, the included Dos
and Don'ts could apply to any of them. Furthermore, it offers
advice and clarification on many of the installation steps that a
beginner is unlikely to find anywhere else..."
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