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How Linux Works

This is the Second Edition of How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know and is the only Linux-focused book I can recall that has a strong focus on the computer science, what is happening here and why, big picture instead of the how-tos. The reader does learn how to do things, but only after learning conceptually what is happening. This is something that is sorely lacking in today’s computer education classes and I am thrilled to see the author’s focus here. I am convinced that once a person understands the concept of what a computer is, what it does, and how it does so (from a high level), it is much easier to then learn the mechanics. This is important because the concepts apply across operating systems and across time as those systems change their methodology, say by replacing the System V init program with Upstart or systemd.

This is the sort of book that I would recommend for a user who is new to Linux and wants to understand why things work the way they work, not merely learn how to do things. If there is an immediate need to learn just mechanics, perhaps this should then be the second book to read after reading one that focuses on what to do when. Regardless of when they read it, any Linux user who wants to grow in their comprehension of Linux, its parts, and the entire operating system ecosystem will benefit from this book.

Disclosure: I was given my copy of this book by the publisher as a review copy. See also: Are All Book Reviews Positive?

2 Comments

  1. Curtis Gabrielson

    I’ll have to check this one out for one of my classes. Thanks for the review!

  2. matthew

    It is definitely worth a look!

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