Rating: 
Summary: Great for the 'non-idiot' or 'non-dummy'.
Review: ...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.
Rating:
Summary: Great for the 'non-idiot' or 'non-dummy'.
Review: ... 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.
Rating:
Summary: An informative, humourous and cleverly written book!
Review: A wonderful guide to those new to Linux and an evaluable reference to more experienced Linux users. An enjoyable read whether you are at your computer trying out the many different suggestions, or while enjoying a cup of Java.
Rating:
Summary: THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU
Review: As a Implementation Project Manager, I am not involved nor have been inclined to be involved with the technical side of computers. Recently relegated to the honor of our inhouse system administrator (because I sit closest to the server), I was having much difficulty. When I ran across this book. This is the first book I have been able to read and really understand. The pearls that are splashed throughout the book are priceless. I have found items that I use almost daily, I am actually starting to like linux, and find it can do so much more than be a pain in my butt.
From all of us nontechies...Thank You!
Rating:
Summary: A Great Reference Guide
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Reference Guide
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive, clear, and witty
Review: Gagne, author of the popular "Cooking with Linux" columns in LINUX JOURNAL, has brought his trademark wit and whimsy to the topic of Linux system administration. Authoritative, clearly written, well-organized, comprehensively indexed -- this is an indispensible reference volume, flawlessly executed. Bravo!
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive, clear, and witty
Review: Gagne, author of the popular "Cooking with Linux" columns in LINUX JOURNAL, has brought his trademark wit and whimsy to the topic of Linux system administration. Authoritative, clearly written, well-organized, comprehensively indexed -- this is an indispensible reference volume, flawlessly executed. Bravo!
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Beginner Book!!!
Review: 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 $$$.
Rating:
Summary: This book has it all, but poor binding hinders 5 star rating
Review: 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... :)
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