Debian GNU/Linux 3.1 Bible (Bible)

Beginning Ubuntu Linux: From Novice to Professional

How Linux Works : What Every Superuser Should Know

Linux Multimedia Hacks (Hacks)

Linux Server Hacks, Volume Two : Tips & Tools for Connecting, Monitoring, and Troubleshooting (Hacks)

Mac Osx

The Debian System: Concepts and Techniques

Format: Paperback
Author: Martin F Krafft
ReleaseDate: 19 September, 2005
Publisher: No Starch Press
Rating:

The best up-to-date and useful Debian book presently available
Although, at this time (02/2006) the book is aging as it was published before Sarge became stable, I hope they will make another release focusing on the newer stuff going forward. This book has so far proven 80% good for me as an intermediate experienced Debian user, I work with Debian GNU w/Linux servers on a daily basis, I started in the Potato/Woody times, so there was a few new things in Sarge I didnt know that this book gave me some aha's about.
I believe this book is the perfect book for anyone switching from another GNU w/Linux distro to Debian GNU w/Linux (Very little Hurd info), for me it is the most valuable on things like working with X and the advanced details of the packing system and how to Debianize (or GNU'ify) your own software.
It also introduces you very well to the Debian community and development process.
Personally I would like to see a bit less beginner stuff, little less "how to install" stuff, and more on the corporate side of things like managing multiple systems and automating stuff without breaking other stuff. I think it would be a good idea to split it in two or three, the beginners/basics stuff, perhaps one devoted to using X (and the X apps) on Debian, and one on the more advanced topics.

The book to read if you know Linux or Unix and want to know Debian
I approached this book as a fairly experienced FreeBSD user and an occasional Linux user. I was extremely impressed by Martin Krafft's "The Debian System" (TDS). (I run Debian on i386 and PA-RISC, but I wanted to know more about Debian as a system. ) I strongly recommend TDS for two types of users. The first group includes anyone who wants to get the most out of the unique techniques and tools found in Debian. The second group includes developers and users of other operating systems who are looking for different ways to approach system administration problems. Both groups benefit from TDS' thorough and commanding coverage of Debian and its community.

Prospective TDS readers should understand that this book is unlike any I have read on operating systems. Readers will not have to skip pages on setting up Apache or configuring BIND, thankfully! Instead, TDS covers core system administration subjects to a degree I have not seen elsewhere. I do not mean that TDS delves into kernel structures in the way that McKusick and Neville-Neil's "The Design and Implementation of the FreeBSD Operating System" does. Rather, Krafft takes readers on an inside tour of the how and why of Debian. Rather than just explaining a technique or tool, the author discusses the overall problem, possible ways to approach it, and Debian's solutions. He presents pros and cons for each, and then demonstrates usage with command line syntax and sample output.

Krafft is obviously a Debian enthusiast, but he is not a zealot blind to any flaws Debian might possess. He is also not afraid to praise other OS' (like NetBSD) or declare that certain misconceptions (think debconf) are invalid. When necessary he compares Debian tools or syntax to other Linux distributions, such as a chart on pp 200-201 on apt, yum, up2date, and urpmi. The book also contains a large number of footnotes with URLs for more research and additional commentary.

The only weakness I found in TDS involved rough editing. Krafft has a tendency to use the phrase "a software" repeatedly. Some parts of the book (e. g. , the bottom of p 299) are mis-set. These are minor errors that can be fixed in a second printing. Keep in mind that it helps to not have TDS as your sole source of Linux experience. I believe new Linux users would not be able to navigate TDS' waters. For that crowd I recommend Wiley's "Debian GNU/Linux 3. 1 Bible. "

It is fair to say that Krafft's book has helped me decide to stay with Debian for systems that need to run Linux. I am confident that I can return to TDS when I need to solve problems, and be armed with a variety of options for doing so. I would love to see an equivalent book for FreeBSD!.

AN OLDIE BUT GOODY
Author Martin F. Are you an administrator of another Unix operating system, such as BSD or Solaris? If you are, you will want to read this book along with a GNU/Linux reference manual. Krafft, has written an outstanding book that is based on Debian using Linux as the kernel.

Krafft, begins introducing the Debian project and everything related to Debian that is not part of the operating system. Next, the author discusses how the Debian installer provides the basics needed to pull up a minimal system, queries for the essential configuration data of the base system, and then leaves the user to the graces of the package management system. Then, he covers the two most common facts to hear about Debian: that it is hopelessly outdated and stable as a rock. The author continues by discussing how the Debian package management system is among the most important feature of any operating system that it is on. In addition, he inspects a number of utilities that are primarily used by other tools, but which come in handy by themselves to those that know how they work. The author also unfolds how the Debian developers approach the challenge of security and give you the necessary information as well as some resources that you will need to setup and maintain Debian systems secure enough for most applications. Then, the author will show you how to build packages for customized and possibly patched kernels, create kernel module packages, mix different APT repositories in a sensible way, and install a Debian system by using alternatives to the Debian installer. Next, he looks at very low-level approaches to package creation before going on to meet higher-level tools. Finally, the author attempts to compile a list of useful resources for any level of Debian expertise, including references to more social content among the pure technical stuff.

This excellent book has done an excellent job of targeting people familiar with Unix who are looking to understand what makes Debian different, and how to best put Debian's paradigms and tools to use. In other words, this book is intended to be a reference for the Debian system, as well as a guide for those that want to go further with the system.
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