Depot.com
 Location:  Home» Software » Operating Systems » A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux(R)  


Categories
Books
Electronics
Toys
DVD
Video Games
Music
Software
Computers
Cameras
Pets
Apparel
Baby
Beauty
Automotive
Health
Home & Garden
Jewelry
Kitchen
Magazines
Office Products
Outdoor Living
Sporting Goods
Tools & Hardware
Cell Phones
Gourmet Food
Grocery
Musical Instruments
VHS
MP3
Movie Downloads
US Flag
Related Categories
• Operating Systems
Computer Science
New & Used Textbooks
Custom Stores
Specialty Stores
• General AAS
Computer Science
New & Used Textbooks
Custom Stores
Specialty Stores
• General AAS
New & Used Textbooks
Custom Stores
Specialty Stores
Books
• General AAS
Qualifying Textbooks
Custom Stores
Specialty Stores
Books
• General
Linux
Operating Systems
Computers & Internet
Subjects
• General AAS
Linux
Operating Systems
Computers & Internet
Subjects
• General
Operating Systems
Computers & Internet
Subjects
Books
• General AAS
Operating Systems
Computers & Internet
Subjects
Books
• General
Software
Computers & Internet
Subjects
Books
• General AAS
Software
Computers & Internet
Subjects
Books
• Paperback
Binding (binding)
Refinements
Books
• Printed Books
Format (feature_browse-bin)
Refinements
Books
Subcategories
Paperback
Mass Market
Trade

A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux(R)

A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux(R)
Author: Mark G. Sobell
Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR

List Price: $49.99
Buy New: $28.94
You Save: $21.05 (42%)



New (38) Used (11) from $28.94

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars 13 reviews
Sales Rank: 169041

Media: Paperback
Pages: 1200
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 4
Dimensions (in): 9.2 x 7.3 x 2.3

ISBN: 013236039X
Dewey Decimal Number: 005.432
EAN: 9780132360395
ASIN: 013236039X

Publication Date: December 28, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Similar Items:

  • Ubuntu Linux Toolbox: 1000+ Commands for Ubuntu and Debian Power Users
  • Beginning Ubuntu Server Administration: From Novice to Professional (Expert's Voice)
  • Hacking Ubuntu: Serious Hacks Mods and Customizations (ExtremeTech)
  • Official Ubuntu Book, The (3rd Edition)
  • Ubuntu 7.10 Linux Unleashed, 3rd Edition

Editorial Reviews:

Product Description

Praise for A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux

“I am so impressed by how Mark Sobell can approach a complex topic in such an understandable manner. His command examples are especially useful in providing a novice (or even advanced) administrator with a cookbook on how to accomplish real-world tasks on Linux. He is truly an inspired technical writer!”

–George Vish II, Senior Education Consultant, Hewlett-Packard Company

“Overall, I think it’s a great, comprehensive Ubuntu book that’ll be a valuable resource for people of all technical levels.”

–John Dong, Ubuntu Forum Council Member, Backports Team Leader

“The JumpStart sections really offer a quick way to get things up and running, allowing you to dig into the details of his books later.”

–Scott Mann, Aztek Networks

“Ubuntu is gaining popularity at the rate alcohol did during prohibition, and it’s great to see a well-known author write a book on the latest and greatest version. Not only does it contain Ubuntu-specific information, but it also touches on general computer-related topics, which will help the average computer user to better understand what’s going on in the background. Great work, Mark!”

–Daniel R. Arfsten, Pro/ENGINEER Drafter/Designer

“I read a lot of Linux technical information every day, but I’m rarely impressed by tech books. I usually prefer online information sources instead. Mark Sobell’s books are a notable exception. They’re clearly written, technically accurate, comprehensive-and actually enjoyable to read.”

–Matthew Miller, Senior Systems Analyst/Administrator, BU Linux Project, Boston University Office, of Information Technology

“I would so love to be able to use this book to teach a class about not just Ubuntu or Linux but about computers in general. It is thorough and well written with good illustrations that explain important concepts for computer usage.”

–Nathan Eckenrode, New York Local Community Team

Praise for Other Books by Mark Sobell

“I currently own one of your books, A Practical Guide to Linux . I believe this book is one of the most comprehensive and, as the title says, practical guides to Linux I have ever read. I consider myself a novice and I come back to this book over and over again.”

–Albert J. Nguyen

“Thank you for writing a book to help me get away from Windows XP and to never touch Windows Vista. The book is great; I am learning a lot of new concepts and commands. Linux is definitely getting easier to use.”

–James Moritz

“I have been wanting to make the jump to Linux but did not have the guts to do so-until I saw your familiarly titled A Practical Guide to Red Hat Linux at the bookstore. I picked up a copy and am eagerly looking forward to regaining my freedom.”

–Carmine Stoffo, Machine and Process Designer to pharmaceutical industry

“I am currently reading A Practical Guide to Red Hat Linux and am finally understanding the true power of the command line. I am new to Linux and your book is a treasure.”

–Juan Gonzalez

The Most Complete, Easy-to-Understand, and Useful Guide to Ubuntu Linux Desktops and Servers

Ubuntu Linux is a state-of-the-art operating system, and you need a book that’s just as advanced. Along with being the most comprehensive reference to installing, configuring, and working with Ubuntu, A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux also provides extensive server coverage you won’t find in any other Ubuntu book.

Best-selling author Mark Sobell begins by walking you through every feature and technique you need to know, from installing Ubuntu–using the DVD included with the book–to working with GNOME, Samba, exim4, Apache, DNS, NIS, firestarter, and iptables. Sobell’s exceptionally clear explanations demystify everything from system security to Windows file/printer sharing.

Sobell presents full chapters on using Ubuntu from the command line and GUI; thorough system administration and security guidance; and up-to-the-minute, step-by-step instructions for setting up networks and every major type of Internet server. Along the way, you’ll learn both the “hows” and the “whys” of Ubuntu. Sobell knows every Linux nook and cranny: He’s taught hundreds of thousands of readers and never forgets what it’s like to be new to Linux. Whether you’re a user, administrator, or programmer, this book gives you all you need–and more.

Don’t settle for yesterday’s Ubuntu Linux book...get the ONLY book that meets today’s challenges and tomorrow’s!

This book delivers?

  • Deeper coverage of the command line and the GNOME GUI, including GUI customization
  • Coverage of important Ubuntu topics, such as sudo and the new Upstart init daemon
  • More practical coverage of file sharing with Samba, NFS, and FTP
  • More detailed, usable coverage of Internet server configuration, including Apache, exim4, and DNS/BIND
  • More state-of-the-art security techniques, including firewall setup using firestarter and iptables, as well as a full chapter on OpenSSH and an appendix on security
  • Deeper coverage of “meat-and-potatoes” system and network administration tasks–from managing users to CUPS printing, configuring LANs to building a kernel
  • A more practical introduction to writing bash shell scripts
  • Complete instructions on how to keep your Linux system up-to-date using aptitude, Synaptic, and the Software Sources window
  • And much more...including a 500+ term glossary, five detailed appendixes, and a comprehensive index to help you find what you need fast

Print book includes DVD! Get the full version of the Ubuntu 7.10 (Gutsy Gibbon) release.




Customer Reviews:   Read 8 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars Extremely comprehensive but what's the target audience?   January 27, 2008
Anthony Lawrence (Middleboro, MA USA)
33 out of 38 found this review helpful

There is no doubt that this book contains very complete coverage of Ubuntu.

My only question is, who wants it?

The new user, never exposed to Linux before, is going to be scared off by the more technical parts of the book. The more experienced user who wants to find out about Ubuntu is going to be bored and annoyed by the coverage of basics (that coverage is very good, byt the way, as is the more technical stuff later).

I think the only person who'd truly treasure this would be someone seeking Ubuntu certification.. for that purpose, this would be perfect.

My feeling is that this should have been split into two books.. it's too darn big and clumsy anyway, and I just don't feel that you can successfully mix basics and advanced configuration and usage.

However, if none of that bothers you, if you are the type who wants it all, baby steps right on up to full administration and beyond, well, this is your book for sure!



4 out of 5 stars It's a Review & a Work-in-Progress.   February 19, 2008
williwombat1066 (Maryland, USA)
18 out of 21 found this review helpful

I bought instead of the "Unleashed" publication because this while this book does go in depth, but it does so in a plain-spoken voice. It's not written from one techie to another. Previous comments about the book's size shouldn't be take too seriously -- remember, this is Linux that you're learning and quite frankly after trying to install Red Hat almost a decade ago (all text and no GUI-handholding) and feeling quite defeated, this book is a breath of fresh air. Both textual and graphical content of the book is easy to understand without the nonsensical stuff you get in the "Dummies..." -- series sometimes it (...for Dummies) works and sometimes the intended humor gets in the way. So far, I've installed Ubuntu on my old Inspiron 8000 laptop and written some line commands with ease. So far, so good. It appears to work faster than Microsoft and I intend to abandon Micro$oft altogether. This seems like to project to do it. Not to get political, but even Operating Systems need change: Yes, we can! (Well...I'll write again when I've done and understand more of Linux.) I purchased the book it with the intention of learning Linux/Unix for work and to also leverage the knowledge to understanding Unix as it is on on Mac OSX.


5 out of 5 stars A complete guide to Ubuntu Linux for beginning to intermediate users   March 31, 2008
R. Lodato (Boston, MA)
17 out of 18 found this review helpful

Finding a single book that encompasses what you want to learn can be difficult. Most cover a few portions of a subject in depth and skim over (or omit) others. Other books will cover each topic at about the same level: high enough to give an impression of what can be done, but not with enough depth to do it without a lot of effort. Mark G. Sobell's "A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux" is a single volume that gives the reader enough information to effectively install, configure and run workstations and servers using Ubuntu Linux. He has come the closest I have seen to containing all of the necessary information without being too shallow. A DVD with the Gutsy Gibbon release of Ubuntu in a directly bootable form is included with the book.

With over two decades of experience related to Unix and Linux, Mark G. Sobell has authored almost two dozen books on the subject. I had previously read and reviewed his book "A Practical Guide to Red Hat Linux: Fedora Core and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (Second Edition)" and found it the highest quality book I had yet read on Linux. This, his latest book, bears many similarities to the other text, including its high quality. The overall structure is like that of a textbook, providing a summary and exercises at the end of each chapter, as well as copious cross-references.

"A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux" is broken up into five parts containing 27 chapters in all. Each of the chapters provides Jumpstart sections to help you install and configure each server quickly, and enough detail to handle the more common configuration changes. Part I uses two chapters to provide an overview of, and step-by-step instructions for, installing Linux. The step-by-step chapter goes into great detail on each step of the process, using both the graphical and textual installation paths. Part II provides higher-level information that shows newer Linux users what they can do. Part III uses another four chapters to dive deeper into the Bourne Again Shell (BASH), the GUIs, and networking. Starting with Part IV, Mark describes how to perform the more common configuration tasks. Using seven chapters and over 200 pages, Part IV provides a great deal of detail regarding system administration. The final section, Part V, uses nine chapters to go into depth on set up various servers and use their clients. OpenSSH, FTP, exim4 (for mail), NIS, NFS, Samba, DNS/BIND, the firewall (firestarter and iptables), and finally Apache.

Overall, "A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux" by Mark G. Sobell provides all of the information a beginner to intermediate user of Linux would need to be productive. The inclusion of the Live DVD of the Gutsy Gibbon release of Ubuntu makes it easy for the user to test-drive Linux without affecting his installed OS. I have no doubts that you will consider this book money well spent.



3 out of 5 stars Very thorough book... Maybe TOO thorough   January 28, 2008
Melissa Diane Richard
12 out of 18 found this review helpful

This is entirely my own opinion of the book.

I just started using Ubuntu on the desktop recently. I wanted to buy a book on Ubuntu, and Linux in general. I went to the bookstore and perused several books, and this one seemed the most complete. It was also the newest book, its always good to stay on top of bleeding edge software. So I bought this one over Ubuntu Unleashed.

The first thing that struck me when I brought this book home and read it was how thorough it is. Mark Sobell definitely wrote a book that can truly encompass just about anything you would want to learn about Ubuntu into one very large book. But that isnt entirely a good thing. Sobell seems to go into very minute detail over some things, yet not really into others. And it seemed the further I got into reading the book, the more I realized that while Sobell definitely knows the subject matter, he isnt very good at explaining it in Lamen's terms. It seems that every other paragraph has to be read a few times before you get the gist of what hes trying to say.

That isnt to say this book is no good. There is a lot of very useful information in here for the learning. However this 1200-page book covers a lot of things the vast majority of users might not ever delve into. It is nice buying one book that goes over everything from installing Ubuntu and booting to the first time, to setting up mail servers, to reprogramming the Bash shell, to recompiling the kernel, to administration tasks. But the problem is a lot of users might never need to use any of this.

I guess the problem is this book fits in the void between people who want to learn the basics about Ubuntu and the people who are getting ready to get certified, without really pandering to either camp. But, this is just one reader's opinion. This book was not really a waste, but if I could do it again I would have bought Ubuntu Unleashed.



5 out of 5 stars Outstanding Technical Resource   February 2, 2008
Neal Thomas Bailey (Norfolk, Va)
11 out of 11 found this review helpful

If you've decided on Debian/Ubuntu Linux as your distribution and you're not already a Linux expert then do yourself justice and purchase a copy of this book. It's thorough and comprehensive; all the while it's insightful and intriguing. The author does a competent job fleshing out concepts while not drowning the reader in distribution specific jargon (which is a real weakness in some Linux texts). The chapters are logically structured working up to more advanced topics and the author never insults the readers intelligence.

I have used Unix/Linux off and on since 1999 and this book brought me back over to Linux. I've never been a particularly advanced user and I always hated searching online for hours trying to figure out how to do things in Linux. Now I just reference this book, which remains on my desk at all times. This is THE book to own for ordinary users and systems administrators alike.



We'll be adding even more exciting features to assist you in the coming year.
Thank you for shopping at the Depot.com online shopping depot.

©2008 Depot.com