The Linux Cookbook, 2nd Edition: Tips and Techniques for Everyday Use by Michael Stutz

 in
A great reference for new Linux users who want quick tips for using various command-line features.

Publisher: No Starch Press, Inc.

ISBN: 1-59327-031-3

Price: $39.95

When my wife and I got married, we received a copy of a classic Puerto Rican cookbook Cocine Conmigo (Cook With Me), by Dora R. Romano. It was a nice gift for us because it helped us explore a wide variety of typical Puerto Rican dishes. Similarly, I think Michael Stutz's The Linux Cookbook, 2nd Edition: Tips and Techniques would be a nice gift for anyone, including yourself, who wants to explore the wide variety of features and capabilities available from the Linux operating system.

The Linux Cookbook offers the Linux newcomer a wide selection of recipes. With collections of files, text, images, sound and productivity recipes, the reader is bound to find something that suits his or her need. Although the book has a dash of X recipes, the majority of the recipes focus on command-line features available in the bash shell.

Overall, I believe that Michael Stutz succeeds in providing a handy reference for those who still are exploring Linux or who have difficulty remembering the correct command-line options for a specific command. I find myself reaching for this collection of recipes when I get stuck, so I keep it close to my desk.

On the other hand, although the author hopes that The Linux Cookbook appeals to experienced Linux users, I don't believe this was achieved. Some useful yet obscure information is offered here, but I don't think it is enough for daily reference by an experienced user. In addition, I disagree with the author's choice to leave out the basic commands for network administration. More than once I needed some networking help only to find nothing about ifconfig or route. Although I'm sure the commands for administrating different Linux distributions can vary, I think some basic networking commands are essential for any Linux cookbook.

Through the years, my wife and I repeatedly have enjoyed Romano's recipes for Flan de Queso con Leche Condensada (Cheese Custard with Evaporated Milk) and Pastela de Platanos Maduros (Puerto Rican Lasagna with Ripe Plantains). Readers of The Linux Cookbook undoubtedly will find some favorite recipes of their own. With over 500 different programs referenced and organized conveniently in the Program Index, The Linux Cookbook is sure to satisfy any Linux newcomer's craving for Linux tips and techniques.

______________________

Webcast
How to Build an Optimal Hadoop Cluster to Store and Maintain Unlimited Amounts of Data Using Microservers

Realizing the promise of Apache® Hadoop® requires the effective deployment of compute, memory, storage and networking to achieve optimal results. With its flexibility and multitude of options, it is easy to over or under provision the server infrastructure, resulting in poor performance and high TCO. Join us for an in depth, technical discussion with industry experts from leading Hadoop and server companies who will provide insights into the key considerations for designing and deploying an optimal Hadoop cluster.

Learn More

Sponsored by AMD

White Paper
Red Hat White Paper: Using an Open Source Framework to Catch the Bad Guy

Built-in forensics, incident response, and security with Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6

Every security policy provides guidance and requirements for ensuring adequate protection of information and data, as well as high-level technical and administrative security requirements for a system in a given environment. Traditionally, providing security for a system focuses on the confidentiality of the information on it. However, protecting the data integrity and system and data availability is just as important. For example, when processing United States intelligence information, there are three attributes that require protection: confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Learn more about catching the bad guy in this free white paper.

Learn More

Sponsored by DLT Solutions