The First Three Books Every Linux User Should Read

lessthan0 writes "Anyone proficient with Linux had to climb the steep learning curve. Part of getting over the top for me was reading a hundred different Linux and Unix related books. From that list, three books stand out as the most useful and influential. I can't promise easy sledding; it will take some work, but mastering this material will demystify Linux and make you appreciate it more."

but first, buy Kernighan/Pike

[yagu]

Disclaimer: I have no financial or other motive of profit in recommending this book.

The recommended books are good choices, but the underlying principles guiding Linux originate from Unix. The first sea change influential Unix book for me was The Unix Programming Environment [amazon.com] by Brian Kernighan and Rob Pike.

This book is a must read, and a must have. Unix at my office was a mere curiousity, an available "time share" (not kidding, that's what people at my office called it) that noone used (we were mostly a COBOL/mainframe shop).

I tinkered with this new and interesting world and immediately saw something unique(s). And, Kernighan/Pike lit the fire under me. By page 50 or so they've described Unix philosophy dead-on (they should know), and I couldn't start creating in the Unix environment fast enough.

The first thing I did was create an on-line self updating corporate documentation system (the old one was paper and microfiche), and I never looked back.

Add this book to your collection, read it! You won't be sorry.

Keep Running Linux Free

[eldavojohn]

I agree with these book selections though I think that it's wrong to say "these are must-haves for the Linux/Unix user" if they cost money. That's because Linux should be free, you shouldn't 'need' to drop $200 to be proficient in it. You need to invest time but not money.

Perhaps there [oreilly.com] are [sourceforge.net] free [linuxnewbieguide.org] resources [freetechbooks.com] out there.

Why 3 books? Why not just 1?

[Anonymous Coward]

Here's my recommendation: Linux For Non-Geeks [nostarch.com]

Re:Keep Running Linux Free

[Matt Perry]

I agree with these book selections though I think that it's wrong to say "these are must-haves for the Linux/Unix user" if they cost money.

The first one is available online for free for personal use [freshmeat.net]. It only costs money if you want the dead trees version.

In The Beginning . . .

[TSAG]

Was The Command Line, by Neal Stephenson.