which linux book should I buy???

[Ender510]

I would like to buy a linux book from amazon or fatbrain. I need a book that will walk me through on setting up a server. I will have a DSL line w/ a static IP. I would like to setup a server for FTP, mail server, web server. I figured Mandrake would be a good distro to start with. What would you guys recommend??

My exposure to unix is basic commands like ls, chmod, ps, etc. Thanks in advance..

 

[Ender510]

Oh, I also wanted an internal network as well.. I'll probably have 2-3 clients set up. I also will have the SMC 4 Port DSL/Cable Router as well. I believe this will actually be doing the DHCP, IP serving though? Please let me know your thoughts! Thx!

 

[smp]

Try this .. it's a PDF, but I just printed mine and got it bound at kinkos for five bucks. Best five dollars I ever spent. Of course, if you don't work at school (and get 490 pages of free prints) then you might have a hard time printing it. You could probably get it printed and bound at Kinkos or whatever, but I don't know for how much. The NAG is really good though. I don't think you need a book, there is just waaaay too much information online to bother with a book. But then, if you're like me and you need some paper next to you (I use my own printed copies for this) and you can't print out hundreds of pages, then you can get an o'rielly book. They are supposed to be the best. O'rielly publishes the Network admin guide that I linked you to up there, but they have added illustration, so it's cleaner than the PDF. Anyways.. look for a book published by O'rielly, I hear they are the best.

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

Mandrake or RedHat

 

[HKxJaybee]

I've heard Mandrake is more complete.. what books ARE good??

 

[smp]

O'rielly books are good. Buy the one that suits your needs.
<edit>
IMO the internet is the best source of information though
</edit>

 

[Ender510]

Thanks SMP, I'll check that out.. i just wanted something I can do step by step to set everything up.

 

[agg123456789]

I have two books that are very helpfull. The first is Running Linux By Matt Welsh and Lar Kaufman. This is a total overview of doing just about anything. The second is Linux Desk Refrence by Scott Hawkins. This is like a pre printed man page book, however it has a good index, so if you know what you want to do, but do not know the command, you cand find it. It is great for some quick helps.

hope that helps.

agg123456789