Linux: The Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Linux—From Installation to Security, Virtualization, and System Administration Across All Major Distributions (Rheinwerk Computing)

Comprehensive and concise. A++

This book is the most comprehensive Linux book I have ever seen or read, it is massive, and contains many outside references to even more info about Linux. The book is very well written and explains Linux in detail. Unfortunately after reading several chapters I realized that to use Linux effectively you need to understand much of the vast information contained in this book, and that doesn't even include system configuration and administration or server configuration. Learning all that is not a trivial undertaking and overwhelming in scope. This book completely discouraged me from switching from Windows to Linux. Using Linux effectively is extremely complicated, requiring a vast amount of time and study, I expect to become expert requires years. Using Windows is trivial by comparison. Although Windows 11 has many serious issues which i hate, and these keep getting worse with each Windows release, this book clearly shows Linux is not the answer, no matter how much I wish is was.

Good book very thorough.

This should be titled 'Linux Bible'; it is comprehensive. This large and heavy book is readable and a complete reference on the Linux flavors. The author is German and the original is written in German; this translation is well done although there are a few pictures and figures with the German words still afixed. But everything is understandable when read like a textbook (it is NOT fiction and doesn't read like fiction). Buy this book; you need no other book on Linux even for the Debian-derived Raspberry Pi OS. Everything from scripting to firewall configurations is explained. And no, I am not a paid reviewer; I know quality when I see it, though.

I've been waiting for the 11th version of the Linux Bible and when I came across this with a 'half off' discount, decided to give it a try since the next edition won't be released till next year.I think this book is definitely a contender. Unfortunately, a lot of these types of books suffer from the first half of the books being for 'beginners' yet they are not written for a beginner. If we're being realistic, a beginner is not going to pick up such a resource (and if they do, they're going to be using it as a supplemental source to something else like beginner videos or books written specifically for people who have no exposure). I'd gladly wager the majority of people that end up buying books like this are past the beginner phase. There's nothing wrong with covering certain areas like installation and configuration, it'd just be nice to have some more technical or advanced coverage instead of the typical 'click next' that anyone in this day and age can figure out.Overall, I think it's a great refresher for people like myself who don't get to keep up with all the latest news and advancements and need a resource in the form of a bible that we can pick up when we're able to review what's different. Unfortunately, this book really doesn't cover Linux in the modern sense since containers and the cloud are missing (at the very least any modern Linux book of this size should really go over containers). With that coverage missing I knocked it off a star.If you can get the book for half off like I did it isn't a bad pickup until you're able to get your hands on some more advanced books.

Great Book to have. It covers Linux principals with great details. It explains them in simple language and it is easy to follow.

Linux: The Comprehensive Guide is a detailed, all-encompassing resource designed for readers seeking to master Linux operating systems, whether they are complete beginners or experienced users looking to refine their knowledge. This book provides a deep dive into everything Linux, from basic commands to advanced system administration and beyond. As the title suggests, it aims to cover all aspects of Linux in a way that’s accessible while still being thorough.Content and Structure:The book is well-organized, with sections that logically build on each other, starting with the basics of Linux installation and shell usage and progressing toward more advanced topics like system administration, networking, and security. Each chapter provides clear explanations and practical examples that make complex Linux concepts more approachable.Early chapters provide a solid foundation for new users, introducing the Linux command line interface (CLI), file system structure, user management, and basic tools for navigating the system. These sections are well-suited for beginners, with step-by-step instructions and clear examples that explain how Linux differs from more familiar operating systems like Windows or macOS.Intermediate chapters delve into more advanced system management topics such as package management, process management, and shell scripting. The author does an excellent job of explaining how to use powerful tools like grep, awk, sed, and find, demonstrating how they can be combined to automate tasks and manipulate data. There are also in-depth discussions of system administration tasks such as user permissions, file system mounting, and cron jobs, which are essential for anyone managing Linux-based servers or workstations.Advanced topics cover more specialized areas, including network configuration, kernel management, system performance tuning, and security practices. The author also touches on common Linux distributions, giving readers an understanding of how the different distros (like Ubuntu, CentOS, and Debian) can be used for various purposes.The book concludes with a series of practical guides on setting up Linux in real-world environments, such as servers, cloud systems, and virtual machines. There’s also a focus on troubleshooting and debugging, providing the reader with a set of techniques for diagnosing and fixing issues in the Linux environment.Writing Style and Accessibility:One of the key strengths of Linux: The Comprehensive Guide is its clear and concise writing. The author avoids overwhelming jargon while still providing technical depth. Each concept is introduced in an easy-to-understand manner, and the language remains accessible, even when tackling more difficult subjects like system internals or network configuration.The examples throughout the book are well-chosen and often accompanied by helpful diagrams or screenshots, which add visual clarity and help reinforce key ideas. Code snippets are presented in a way that’s easy to follow, and their output is explained in detail, making it simple to understand what each command or script is doing.The pacing is generally solid, though the book might be a bit dense for complete beginners. Some prior knowledge of basic computing concepts (such as how file systems work or what a terminal is) would be helpful but isn’t strictly necessary. For those who are completely new to Linux, the earlier chapters are accessible enough to build a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced material.Target Audience:As the title implies, this book is comprehensive, meaning it’s suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned Linux users. For those just getting started, the early chapters provide clear explanations and hands-on guidance, while more experienced readers will find value in the in-depth discussions on system administration, networking, and performance tuning.The book is also a great reference for system administrators, DevOps engineers, and anyone working in IT or with Linux-based servers. It’s perfect for those preparing for Linux certifications (like the LPIC or CompTIA Linux+) or those looking to sharpen their Linux skills for professional use.While the book covers a broad range of topics, it may not go as deep into niche areas (like Linux kernel development or highly advanced system optimizations) as some specialized books. However, for most users and system administrators, it provides a well-rounded, practical guide that touches on nearly every aspect of using and managing Linux.Practical Insights and Examples:One of the strongest features of this book is its practical, hands-on approach. The author includes numerous examples and exercises throughout each chapter, encouraging readers to try out commands and configurations on their own systems. This active learning approach helps reinforce the concepts being taught, and the examples are directly applicable to everyday tasks that readers are likely to encounter.The book also covers common Linux tools and utilities in great detail, explaining how to use them effectively to manage system resources, monitor performance, and automate repetitive tasks. The sections on scripting, for example, are especially valuable, showing how shell scripts can be used to automate tasks and streamline system management.Moreover, the book doesn’t just cover the “how” of using Linux—it explains the “why.” When introducing a command or tool, the author often takes time to explain the reasoning behind its use and why it might be preferred in certain scenarios. This helps readers develop a deeper understanding of the Linux ecosystem and equips them with the knowledge to make informed decisions when working with the system.Final Thoughts:Linux: The Comprehensive Guide is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn or deepen their knowledge of Linux. Its clear explanations, hands-on examples, and wide-ranging coverage make it an ideal choice for beginners as well as intermediate and advanced users. Whether you’re looking to use Linux on your personal computer, manage servers, or develop applications on a Linux platform, this book provides the knowledge you need to succeed.The author’s approach is accessible, and the inclusion of real-world examples helps bridge the gap between theory and practical application. While it might not cover every advanced topic in exhaustive detail, it’s an invaluable guide for anyone seeking a broad, solid foundation in Linux systems.Pros:- Comprehensive coverage of all key Linux topics, from basic commands to advanced system administration- Clear, accessible writing with practical, hands-on examples- Excellent for both beginners and intermediate users- Well-structured and easy to navigate- Provides real-world insights and troubleshooting tipsCons:- Could be overwhelming for complete beginners without any prior knowledge of operating systems- Might not go deep enough into highly specialized topics (e.g., Linux kernel development)Overall, Linux: The Comprehensive Guide is a valuable and highly practical resource for anyone looking to get up to speed with Linux, from new users to experienced professionals. Whether you're setting up a Linux server, learning to script, or preparing for certification exams, this book provides all the essential tools and knowledge you need to succeed in the world of Linux.