Learning Debian GNU/Linux assumes only that its readers have a bit of Windows or Macintosh experience, are willing to learn and aren't afraid to do a bit of experimenting. From there, it provides a complete introductory-level explanation of installing and using Linux and the GNU suite of tools, focusing on the Debian 2.1 distribution to the extent that it differs from other flavours of Linux. Because it ships with a bootable CD-ROM that contains Debian 2.1, this book represents a complete Linux starter kit (and a reasonably priced one, at that).The author takes a patient and boosterish approach to his subject, explaining key configuration files one line at a time and walking through important procedures, such as setting up a dial-up connection to the Internet. He's also remarkably liberal with troubleshooting ideas, frequently pausing to present lists of what might have gone wrong as a result of a recently explained procedure and suggesting solutions to each. He's also careful to describe aspects of the Unix universe (such as mounting devices and running a windowing system atop a kernel) that might be unfamiliar to people accustomed to more mainstream operating systems. Like any good Linux user, Bill McCarty is quick to share his favourite utilities and explain how to use them. --David Wall
Topics covered: Installing Debian Linux and the GNU suite, installing and using the X windowing system, performing critical administration and management tasks (in graphical programs and via the bashshell), setting up a local area network (LAN), setting up the Apache Web server and using the Debian package-management utilities.
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