Servers For Dummies? Or something similar

[MMiz]

So my "Friend" wants to learn about servers. But he has little experience, and gets frustrated with "Look it up at google as you go, and hope no one asks" thinking. Where can I, I mean my friend, get some good, easier reading books for general server management. Most likely I will be having a managed server, but I would like to know how to do updates, what this whole popcorn thing is about, personally I like the microwave, and done have to re-compile mine when done, but I digress. Where do I start? Help :)

[Chicken]

Well, I bought Running Linux (for $6.98 when Barnes and Nobel had some sort of special). Others seem to like Linux Unleashed. I've seen some that were a bit less thick and a bit more colorful, if you find those a bit on the dry side. Even Costco had some, but for a wider selection, the local computer store (CompUSA, etc.) should have some to look through so you can get an idea of the type you want. Some are rather thick and dry, depending on how excited server admin gets you, heh. :D

And yes, I only have one, because I find I don't read books that often, and search the web for answers first and usually find what I need that way. Also forums (like this one!) are a great resource.

[Everyday]

You know I've had many customers ask me what a good book to have is. I've looked at a lot of them but most of them don't seem to have simple things like how to wget a file or un tar a file. They go into all sorts of things but leave a lot of basics out.

Any ideas on what I would term a beginner book?

[kunal]

Come up with a list of questions.. goto a forum like this one, or WHT... that should help him get started.. or better yet.. mail a host :P they have to be nice and reply well ;)

kunal

[Chicken]

Matt, some of the basics are covered pretty well on websites though. I checked my favorites but it seems I didn't bookmark anything. If I can't recall something I just look on the web quickly for "basic linux commands" or "linux newbie" or something like that.

Just quickly searching (3 seconds), I found:
http://www.userlocal.com/helpbasic.php
http://linux-newbie.sunsite.dk/ and http://linux-newbie.sunsite.dk/lnag_commands.html#Basic_operations

-etc.

[Haddy]

Check out this lil e-book. Pretty decent from what little ive seen of it:

http://www.blizzards.info/

[MMiz]

I just want to add something to this thread after Ive searched long and hard, hopefully this can be used as a resource for others.

Linux Administration: A Beginner's Guide
Author: Steve Shah
Format: Trade Paperback
Publication Date: January 29, 2001
ISBN: 0072131365
List Price: $ 39.99

Seems to be the book Ive been looking for. As soon as I have the money to buy it, and get it, Ill be sure to post a review. :)

-Matt

[suppleSupport]

I always recommend the RedHat Linux Bible by Christopher Negus.

Paperback: 1104 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 2.17 x 9.45 x 7.39
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons; Book and CD-ROM edition (October 17, 2002)
ISBN: 0764549685

Great for reference.

[MMiz]

Originally posted by elevation:

I always recommend the RedHat Linux Bible by Christopher Negus.

Paperback: 1104 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 2.17 x 9.45 x 7.39
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons; Book and CD-ROM edition (October 17, 2002)
ISBN: 0764549685

Great for reference.

Yeah, everyone says that book is great, but Im looking for a "Dummies" type book. That has too much content, I want something to get my toes wet. Thanks for the suggestion, Ill have to put that on my amazon wishlist.