Recommended UNIX Books

A Practical Guide to Linux

A Practical Guide to Linux is the most useful, most comprehensive Linux tutorial and reference you can find. This is Linux from the ground up: the clearest explanations and most useful knowledge about everything from filesystems to shells, editors to utilities, and programming tools to regular expressions.

Packed with hundreds of high-quality examples: better examples than you'll find in any other Linux guidebook. One of the most highly recommended books on Linux there is.

Unix Power Tools

If you only buy one UNIX book, then this is it. Affectionately referred to by readers as "the" Unix book, Unix Power Tools, Third Edition provides access to information every Unix user is going to need to know. It will help you think creatively about UNIX, and will help you get to the point where you can analyse your own problems.

The latest edition of this best-selling favorite is loaded with advice about almost every aspect of Unix, covering all the new technologies that users need to know. In addition to vital information on Linux, Darwin, and BSD, Unix Power Tools 3rd Edition now offers more coverage of bash, zsh, and other new shells, along with discussions about modern utilities and applications.

Unix in a Nutshell

This quick reference has been reworked to present you with the current state of Unix. Unix in a Nutshell, Fourth Edition features chapter overviews, in-depth command coverage, and specific examples, it's the perfect supplement for Unix users and programmers.

The latest edition of this bestselling reference brings Unix up-to-date. It's been reworked to keep current with the broader state of Unix in today's world and highlight the strengths of this operating system in all its various flavors.

Essential System Administration

This is the book I used to learn UNIX System Administration. Essential System Administration, Third Edition is the definitive guide for Unix system administration. It provides a clear, concise, practical guide to the real-world issues that anyone responsible for a Unix system faces daily.

The new edition of this indispensable reference has been fully updated for all the latest operating systems. It describes all the usual administrative tools that Unix provides, but it also shows how to use them intelligently and efficiently.

Classic Shell Scripting

Shell scripting is essential for Unix users - the shell unlocks the real potential of Unix. It's a way to quickly harness and customize the full power of any Unix system. With shell scripts, you can combine the fundamental Unix text and file processing commands to crunch data and automate repetitive tasks.

Writing shell scripts requires more than just a knowledge of the shell language, it also requires familiarity with the individual Unix programs: why each one is there, how to use them by themselves, and in combination with the other programs.

UNIX Training DVDs

I have never seen these Unix training DVDs, so I can't recommend them personally. However, some find them useful and I include them here for those who prefer to learn in an "instructor led" environment.

More UNIX and Linux Training Material

A full list of other training material you may find useful is available, including:

• Unix and Linux books
• DVD training guides,
• Red Hat Certified Engineer Study Guides
• Linux magazine subscriptions.