by I've had only minimal problems getting my Slackware Linux box up and
running. This includes connection to my ISP, automatic download of
e-mail and news so I can read them off-line, successful installation
of sendmail (on the first attempt!), the installation of many programs
and utilities, repartitioning my system across three hard drives for
increased performance, etc. I am not a newbie to these type of tasks
and, although sometimes frustrated, I was able to solve problems
without too much effort in spite of the fact that I have only been
Linux-aware for less than a year. My installation is very stable and
extremely reliable.
I work for myself. Linux figures prominently in my future plans. I
have great expectations for its and my success. But, I am still
somewhat uncomfortable with trying new things with it. I don't have
the confidence that would come from a deeper understanding.
I am very comfortable *using* Linux, it's nearly second nature to me.
Programming is very easy under Linux so that isn't the problem either.
Rather, it is the overall administration of the system and an
understanding of how Linuces and Unices work in a general sense in
which I am interested. I want to feel as good about administrating my
installation as I do about using it. Doing my job correctly means
making rational, informed decisions based on knowledge, not on trial
and error.
I have what is becoming an extensive library on UNIX/Linux, including
the Man pages and the complete LDP references, but no one book puts it
all together. The newbie books tend to concentrate on naive,
mechanistic installation issues and day-to-day OS use rather than
providing a deeper understanding of the OS and its administration.
I'm considering "Essential System Administration" by Aeleen Frisch
-- O'Reilly. Is this a volume that puts it all together?
I want the whole enchilada now. Where do I find the key to the
puzzle?
--
Arne W. Flones
-- remove "nospam" for e-mail address --