Recommend a book for a linux newbie

[theplanb]

Yup, a nuuuuby. All I know about installing an os is.. to format, partition (dos) and put the windows cd in it!
Didn't know what anaconda or gnome are until I tried to install redhat (which I miserably failed). Anyways.. by gones are by gones.
I'm not looking for a distribution specific book, but a general one (not too basic stuff) that teaches you just about everything about linux. I don't like books like.. linux for dummies.. I think they are for..well. dummies
I need a book that explains what things are what they do, and doesn't assume that I know them. Some books just ignore stuffs because I wouldn't understand..bad..
So.. what book is best for someone like me?

 

[goshdarnindie]

This isn't really an answer, more an attempt to justify myself to myself.

If you bought a distribution, the book that came with it should get you through, otherwise go to redhat.com and look for their links on how to install or whichever company your distribution is from.

As far as all of the information you need past the install, I am trying the piecemeal approach with "Setting up a Linux Intranet" being my most recent purchase. As I get to a problem I want to tackle I go to B&N and find a book that I think will help. You know as well as I do that the world is full of poorly written OS books.

Good Luck

 

[jleon]

Excellent book for newbies that was recommended to me was, "Running Linux" from the O'Reilly collection. Not super expensive either.

 

[theplanb]

Thanks
Any more takes?

 

[DaHitman]

How about "Linux for Dummies"??? I was just looking at it in the store today... If you can get by the name it actually looked pretty good.

It came with Redhat 7, so I would probably download 7.1 and use that instead of the CD it comes with, but still use the book itself.

Besides... I dont think you are going to find "A BOOK" that tells you everything about Linux... there are books and books all written about specific topic in Linux and Unix... A single book will bring you along so far and then you can pick other directions to learn more about.

 

[Ladi]

Using Linux from QUE books is pretty good. My (somewhat, but not entirely, outdated) 4th edition's ISBN is 0789717468. Your best bet -- as with all computer-related books -- is to hit a bookstore/library/etc and spend some time browsing.

~Ladi

 

[mrmdsims]

Linux for Windows Addicts: A Twelve Step Program for Habitual Windows Users.
by Michael Joseph Miller

Amazon used $12.99

 

[thornc]

I agree with "Running Linux" ... you can also read a few guides and
howtos over at: The Linux Documentation Project

They have a few nice guides:
Installation and Getting Started Guide
Linux System Administration Made Easy

And a lot of Howtos....including this one:
Linux Installation Howto



Edit to Add the Howto link!