Ubuntu Linux Toolbox: 1000+ Commands for Ubuntu and Debian Power Users

This is a nice desktop reference for refreshing your memory about various Linux commands without having to resort to MAN files. The book's indexing system could be better, and sometimes topics appear in unexpected places; but it's still a helpful guide for those commands you use infrequently. Once or twice I've had to read the MAN files or search online because the book's examples were too brief.I would not recommend reading this book cover to cover as your first exposure to Linux if you're coming from a Windows-only background; read some online tutorials or a "Using Ubuntu / Debian" book instead. Unix based operating systems are more restrictive about file permissions, everything is a file, and many features are command-line only. It takes time for Windows desktop users to get used to the Unix way of doing things, although Windows Server administrators will likely adjust faster.

I have both editions of this reference book. I liked the first edition very much and bought the second edition as well to be sure I had not missed any corrections or additions. While I have not compared the two editions to see what changed, I am, nevertheless, glad I added the second to my collection.This is not a work to be read from front to back as a novel, it makes a great random-browse book as well as a problem solving book when confronted with a specific need for information on the Ubuntu OS or related matters. So many works seem to be a mixture of fluff and hype, it is a real pleasure to sit down with a book that is quietly competent.This is a great question-answering reference and useful source not only for "How-to", but also "What options do I have", and it does its job with clarity and clear explanations where such are appropriate.I had some question when I ordered the second edition as to whether I would be wasting my money, already having the first edition on hand. Now, I am glad I did, indeed, buy the second edition ... it is a worthwhile addition to my reference library.I am a "happy camper" !

I have a new Debian project for a MMI on a beer bottling machine and thought this would be a helpful reference. It certainly is and I've already put it to good use. It is a reference so don't expect to start on page 1 and bore through it all. I bought a "Used, Acceptable copy" and it is just that. It would have looked pretty used after a few days with me anyway. So, I'm happy with the purchase. My only drawback is that it is printed in a very tiny font and I find myself reaching for my strong readers especially on the plant floor which has rather dim light. I'm giving it 5 stars because it deserves it and the fine print wouldn't even be a problem with young folks. Maybe I should really retire after this project?

I teach high school Computer Science in a Linux Lab--something pretty rare in education today. My students use the terminal, learn Bash, and help me on several development teams. When students ask me how to learn the Unix terminal, this is my top choice for them to try out. What makes me like this book so much (and the 2nd edition is just as great as the 1st edition was), is how the author nicely introduces many command line utilities that do not come standard on most Linux installations--including Ubuntu. He finds the right tools for the job and gives MANY examples of running the commands and the output they return. I have many other "Learn the Command Line" books aimed at Linux users, but this one has the highest density of actually useful content.

This book is okay. It gives a good overview of the features and the command-line options. I'm already very familiar with Linux, how it's put together, and many of the features. What I was looking for was a reference book to help me with the syntax and options for the CLI. For example, I don't always remember the difference between '-R' and '-r', and other critical fine details. I just wanted a quick reference to pick up when I can't remember. The 'man' pages are always there, but I wanted a book. That seems easier to me.

Nice reference book

I love this book. Contains the information I need most. The book is just the right size to carry around. My favorite topic is filesystems... This book shows you the commands to format, mount, backup. It also discusses: Software Raid, LVM, loop mounting... etc. It does a good job and covers nearly everything in a concise, no nonsense, manner. It's the perfect Linux handbook. I use Debian and find it suitable. If you use Red Hat, most will apply, except for the package management section, etc.

Not your usual command list alphabetical order reference. I think I like the approach the author has taken.Well worth the price of admission.

I am new to Linux, using Linux Lite (an Ubuntu-based distro) for most of my day-to-day tasks. To date, I have already bought 3 books from Amazon, to help me with Linux's command-line as I don't have a programming background in any shape or form, and am self-taught over the years when it comes to anything to do with computers. This book (the 4th) stands head and shoulders above the others I bought as it is an excellent reference book. It doesn't bog you down with theory and just gives you the commands you need to get going without fuss...

The title's completely accurate and just what I needed to manage a rejuvenated, 9 year old AMD64 PC and 2 year old netbook both of which were crippled with Windows. As other's have said this is not a book to help you learn Linux - O'Rielly books have some great material if that's what you need. If, as I did, you need to find out how to use certain features of Linux then it's excellent as the book is divided into subject areas you may want concentrate on so there's a chapter on installing the operating system and adding software; how to use the shell ; how to work with files and how to manipulate text; how to manage the system and the network as well as a real insight on managing security. It has those all-important examples of how to use the commands in fundamental ways that the Man Pages would benefit from. Whilst the book is headed 'Ubuntu Linux Toolbox' it's absolutely fine for my 64-bit Linux Mint (a Debian / Ubuntu core distro) and of course the excellent 32-bit Lubuntu that runs like the wind on an Acer Aspire One netbook with just a single gig of RAM. When you're stuck on the command line, dip into the toolbox - all the tools are there.

This is certainly not for an absolute beginner with Ubuntu but I found it well worth persevering with. it has challenged me to try exploring Linux on my laptop. Like many XP pro users i am determined to make the transition to Linux, and Ubuntu seems the best user community to get into. This Toolbox will get more and more useful as time goes on.

waste of money - content not as powerful as expectected from description and other reviews

I was looking for a book that would help me to learn more about Ubuntu in particular and Linux in general. This book fulfilled those criteria.Not exactly for the beginner but... if you have been using Ubuntu for a while, like it, and want to know more, this is a good place to start. Thing are explained clearly giving the user access to some very useful and powerful tools.