Debian GNU/Linux is one of the major Linux distributions available today. It is known as the most open` of the Linux distributions -- for its commitment to the free software principals, and its community-centricism. It is also known for its tradition of high-quality packages and package management tools, as well as its focus on security issues.
Debian GNU/Linux® Bible focuses on common apps, GUIs, networking, and system administration.
The Debian Project's Internet-based development model has helped the distribution achieve unparalleled Internet functionality. One of the most popular features in Debian GNU/Linux is `apt-get,` which automates free network downloads of all software package updates, making the Debian CD the last CD you will ever need to keep your system up-to-date with Linux.`
User review
Could be updated
Does not fully support the latest version of Debian Linux.
Does not go into detail about the Alsa sound system and how to get sound configured. Knoppix Linux is based on Debian, and plays sound on my machine, but I can't get Debian to play sounds and the book is of no help.
User review
Who was the target audience here?
Stephen Hunger, The Debian GNU/Linux Bible (Hungry Minds Press, 2001)
I can only look at this book from one angle, but I'm guessing it misses its mark both from the perspective of the Debian novice and the advanced user. There's a good deal of information here, but it's more of the `reference guide` variety than it is either an overview aimed at the new user or the in-depth coverage an advanced user needs.
This is not to say the book is of no use whatsoever. There is a good deal of information here, and those who are self-taught or new to the system are liable to find at least a few things they need, though they'll probably want to find further coverage of those things in other places. Think of this book as a catalog of what's available, and it will be of some use. ***
User review
Good for Newbies
This is a great introduction to Debian as server or workstation. It covers lots of basic information needed to understand how to administer a debian machine and get a debian server setup. For those who are beyond the newbie stages, it does not offer a whole lot tho.
User review
Wouldnt be without it.
I found this book to very satisfying to my Debian loving soul. If you feel Debian, and it makes you proud to be human to use it, Then you must have this wonderful book. It even feels good to just hold the book and look at it, and the Introduction by Ian Murdock himself makes this book a special case amongst the few Debian specific books available. I personally use Libranet Gnu/Linux, which is a MUCH easier to install and more user friendly Debian system, in conjunction with this and other books(Running Linux)
and this would be worth looking into for anyone looking into Linux or Debian for the first time.
User review
Lacks sufficient depth/detail, title is misleading
Author does an `okay` job of presenting a Linux overview, but if he aims to write a tight, well-indexed, comprehensive compendium of GNU/Debian, he has sorely missed the mark. This is unfortunate, since it is very difficult to find good-quality Debian documentation.
The book seems to have been rushed to market, complete with spelling mistakes and, rather than dish the goods on Debian details, the chapters appear to be little more than overviews, each one ending with a short summary and a small number of URLs, most typically pointers to the linux HOW-TO documents on the web.
The author, like too many others, discusses hardware setup during initial install, but no discussion of what to do if you add something after Debian is installed. (Hint: you'll need 'modconf' for this, and no, it's not in the book). Chapter 5 includes manual file configuration for networking, but the author passes on the opportunity to mention resolv.conf in this discussion.
A couple dozen chapters in similar style are guaranteed to instill a profound sense of resentment in the reader who was hoping for a true Debian-specific volume. All of this is capped by 85 pages of `filler` masquerading as Appendices. Yes, we all know where to find lists of linux commands, and giving us a tedious description of the Debian packages does nothing more than reiterate information we get from running 'dselect'.
,,,, Save your money for the real Debian `bible`,,. if it ever gets written.
