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20 of the Best Free Linux Books
Individuals wanting to learn about the Linux operating system
have a large selection of books to choose from. There are
many thousands of informative Linux books which are in-print
and available to download or buy at reasonable cost.
However, as many users are attracted to Linux for the
very reason that it is available under a freely distributable license,
some will also want this to extend to the documentation they read.
The focus of this article is to select some of the finest
Linux books which are available to download for free. The
vast majority of the books featured here can also be freely distributed
to others.
To cater for all tastes, we have chosen a wide range of books,
encompassing general introductions to Linux, books that concentrate on
a specific distribution or application, books for
programmers, as well as books that have defined the evolution of
free software. All of the texts here come with our
strongest recommendation. So get reading (and downloading).
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1. Ubuntu Pocket Guide and Reference
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This book is a concise companion for everyday Ubuntu
use. It provides a good grounding in getting to grips with the Ubuntu
8.04 and
8.10 distributions.
Topics covered include:
- Installing & Configuring Ubuntu
- Learning how to use the desktop covering logging in,
layout, virtual desktops, and useful applications
- Understanding how user accounts and the filesystem
work
- Getting to grips with the command-line
- Software management including an overview of
Synaptic, working with repositories, and a basic overview of compiling
from source code
- Securing the system, including configuring a
firewall, antivirus, and how to encrypt file and folders
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2. Two Bits
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| Website |
twobits.net |
| Author |
Christopher M. Kelty |
| Format |
PDF |
| Pages |
400 |
In Two Bits, the author investigates the
history and cultural significance of Free Software, revealing the
people and practices that have transformed not only software, but also
music, film, science, and education.
The book focuses on three different areas:
- Geeks, Recursive Publics, Protestant Reformers,
Polymaths, and Transhumanists
- Describes what Free Software is and where it came
from, with five chapters detailing the historical narrative of a
particular kind of practice: creating a movement, sharing source code,
conceptualizing openness or open systems, writing copyright (and
copyleft) licenses, and coordinating collaborations
- Modulations
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3. The Linux Starter Pack
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Here's a complete guide to using Linux, taking you from
beginner level to an intermediate user with ease. This book shows users
how to
install Linux, navigate around the desktop, use common
software, add more programs and fix any problems that may be
encountered.
It offers sections on:
- The Linux desktop including Compiz desktop effects
- OpenOffice.org Writer, Calc, Impress Base
- Photo editing
- Playing games
- Multimedia including using media codecs, media
ripping, disc burning, creating disc inlays
- Internet: Surfing the web, instant messaging,
BitTorrent downloads
- Adding software
- Software recommendations
- Printing documents
- Account management
- Security
- Glossary of technical terms
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4. The Easiest
Linux Guide You'll Ever Read
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The target audience for this book are individuals who
are competent with using Windows, who have never attempted to use Linux
but are
interested in giving it a try.
The overall objective is to give people a bridge from what they
already
know to the powerful, fascinating world of the Linux operating
system.
The book explains:
- How to get Linux
- Learn about the Desktop
- How to install applications
- The command line
- Explains where Linux is similar to Windows
- Explains the key differences between these two
operating systems
- Dispels many myths about Linux
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5. Producing Open
Source Software
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| Website |
producingoss.com |
| Author |
Karl Fogel |
| Format |
PDF, XML, Single HTML page, Multiple HTML pages |
| Pages |
192 |
Producing Open Source Software is a book about the human
side of open source development. It describes how successful projects
operate, the expectations of users and developers, and the culture of
free software.
This book is meant for software developers and managers
who are considering starting an open source project, or who have
started one
and are wondering what to do now.
Topics covered include:
- General advice on starting a project: Choose a Good
Name, Have a Clear Mission Statement, Make it clear the Project is
Free, Scope the Project
- Technical Infrastucture such as Mailing Lists,
Version
Control, Bug tracking, Web site
- Social and Political Infrastructure
- How to bring funding into a free software environment
- The art of good communications
- Packaging, Releasing and Daily Development
- Managing Volunteers
- Licenses, Copyrights and Patents
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Next
Section: 20 of the Best Free Linux Books - Part 2
This article is divided into four parts:
Part
1, Part
2, Part
3, Part
4
Last Updated Monday, January 18 2010 @ 01:00 PM EST
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