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Linux Documentation Project Manuals

Linux Installation and Getting Started, Matt Welsh, et. al., 1992-1994

A user's guide for Linux, a prototype for this book. The manual is targeted primarily for the Unix novice and as such does not contain the broad scope of information that is in this book. If you are new to Unix and need more information, Linux Installation and Getting Started is a great place to look.

Linux Users' Guide, Larry Greenfield, 1993-1994

An introduction to the most important commands and programs people use on Linux. It is not limited to common Unix utilities and the use of the shell (although it has a lot of essential information in these areas). It also covers a wide range of activities that you will find yourself doing on Linux, such as manipulating windows on the X Window System and using the vi and Emacs editors. The book is particularly helpful for people who have not used Unix or X before.

The Linux System Administrator's Guide, Lars Wirzenius, 1995

This is a guide to running and configuring a Linux system. There are many issues relating to systems administration that are specific to Linux, such as the needs for supporting a user community, filesystem maintenance, backups, and more. This guide covers many of the associated tasks.

Linux Network Administrator's Guide, Olaf Kirch, 1995, O'Reilly & Associates

An extensive and complete guide to networking under Linux, including TCP/IP, UUCP, SLIP, and more. This book is a very good read; it contains a wealth of information on many subjects, clarifying the many confusing aspects of network configuration. It has been published by O'Reilly & Associates as a companion volume to this book.

Linux Programmer's Guide, Sven Goldt, John D. Harper, Svenvan der Meer, Matt Welsh, 1995

A listing of functions and programming techniques, some familiar to those who have programmed on other common versions of Unix and some quite specific to Linux. While there are some hints and examples, it currently is a brief description of what is available. Contains particularly full sections on interprocess communication, curses, and porting from other Unix systems to Linux.

The Linux Kernel, David A. Rusling, 1999

Principals and concepts behind the design of Linux.

Unix and Unix Shells

Learning the Unix Operating System, Fourth Edition, Grace Todino, John Strang, Jerry Peek, 1-56592-060-01997, O'Reilly & Associates

A good introductory book on learning the Unix operating system. Most of the information should be applicable to Linux as well. We suggest reading this book if you're new to Unix and just want a quick start. It introduces basic networking commands, email, and the X Window System to novice users.

Learning the bash Shell, Second Edition, Cameron Newham, Bill Rosenblatt, 1-56592-147-X1998, O'Reilly & Associates

Introduces the bash shell as a user interface and as a programming language.

Using csh and tcsh, Paul DuBois, 1-56592-132-11995, O'Reilly & Associates

A guide to the interactive features (not programming constructs) of csh and the version more commonly used on Linux systems, tcsh.

Linux in a Nutshell, Second Edition, Ellen Siever, the Staff of O'Reilly & Associates, 1999, O'Reilly & Associates

Summarizes all commands and options, along with generous descriptions and examples that put the commands in context.

Volume 3M: X Window System User's Guide Motif Edition, Valerie Quercia, Tim O'Reilly, 1-56592-014-71993, O'Reilly & Associates

A complete tutorial and reference guide to using the X Window System for users who have installed X on their Linux systems and who want to know how to get the most out of it. Unlike some windowing systems, a lot of the power provided by X is not obvious at first sight. Includes the twm window manager and has been revised for X11 Release 5.

Applications and Technologies

Linux Multimedia Guide, Jeff Tranter, 1-56592-212-31996, O'Reilly & Associates

Describes how to install, configure, and write C programs to manipulate multimedia devices, including sound cards, CD-ROM drives, and joysticks. Also lists useful utilities and libraries for multimedia development.

Emacs manual: Eleventh Edition, Version 19.29, Richard M. Stallman, 1995, Free Software Foundation

Describes the widely used and powerful GNU Emacs editor. Written by the software's creators, this manual is the same as the comprehensive online Info documentation.

Learning GNU Emacs, Second Edition, Debra Cameron, Bill Rosenblatt, 0-937175-84-61996, O'Reilly & Associates

Provides a congenial introduction to GNU Emacs and includes a brief introduction to Emacs customization and to GNU Emacs LISP programming.

Learning the vi Editor, Sixth Edition, Linda Lamb, Arnold Robbins, 0-937175-67-61998, O'Reilly & Associates

Provides a complete guide to text editing with the standard features of vi, an editor available on nearly every Unix system and now on some non-Unix operating systems (in the form of Elvis, Vile, and other clones). Covers the use of the ex command (mode) and advanced features of vi.

sed & awk, Second Edition, Dale Dougherty, Arnold Robbins, 0-937175-59-51997, O'Reilly & Associates

Describes the use of sed and awk as powerful editors to create and modify text files. sed and awk are stream editors that process multiple files and save many hours of repetitive work in achieving the same results as a standard text editor.

Unix Power Tools, Second Edition, Jerry Peek, Tim O'Reilly, Mike Loukides, 0-679-79073-X (Random House ISBN)1997, O'Reilly & Associates

Offers Unix utility tips, tricks, concepts, and freeware. Covers add-on utilities and how to take advantage of clever features in the most popular Unix utilities. It includes a CD-ROM with source and popular binaries.

The TeX book, Donald E. Knuth, 0-201-13448-91986, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co.

Provides the first, and still definitive, reference to the TeX text-formatting language. Written by the creator of TeX.

LaTeX--A Document Preparation System, LeslieLamport, , 0-201-15790-X1994, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co.

A very readable guide to the LaTeX extension to TeX, by the creator of LaTeX.

Practical SGML, Second Edition, Eric van Herwijnen, 1994, Kluwer Academic Publishers

Provides an excellent introduction to the Standard Generalized Markup Language (ISO 8879-1986) for creating structured documents. There are several flawed books on this subject out there, but this one is just about right.

The SGML Handbook, Charles F. Goldfarb, 0-19-853737-91991, Clarendon Press

Provides the authoritative "bible" on Standard Generalized Markup Language. Contains the complete text of the standard for SGML, ISO 8879-1986, with the author's annotations. Charles Goldfarb is the father of SGML and was the technical leader of the committee that developed the standard. This book is expensive, but costs less than ISO 8879 alone. It is an essential resource for the serious SGML tools or documentation-systems developer.

The Internet

The Whole Internet: The Next Generation, Kiersten Conner, Ed Krol, 1-56592-063-5Forthcoming, O'Reilly & Associates

Provides a comprehensive, bestselling introduction to the Internet, but it's helpful to both novices and veterans. The book pays special attention to tools to help you find World Wide Web information. It has chapters on email, news, browsing, security, online banking and personal finance, games, creating web pages, esoteric and emerging technologies, and commerical and financial resources. There's also a catalog of useful web resources.

Zen and the Art of the Internet: A Beginner's Guide, Fourth Edition, Brendan P. Kehoe, 0-13-010778-61995, PTR Prentice Hall

Introduction to the Internet, aimed at the novice user. It covers topics ranging from email to Usenet news to Internet folklore. An electronic text version of the first edition (1992) of this book is available via anonymous FTP and may be freely distributed and printed. See "Internet Resources" later in this bibliography.

The Matrix: Computer Networks and Conferencing Systems Worldwide, John S. Quarterman, 0-13-565607-91989, Digital Press

A massive listing of different networks around the world.

HTML: The Definitive Guide, Third Edition, Chuck Musciano, Bill Kennedy, 1-56592-175-51998, O'Reilly & Associates

A comprehensive guide to the use of current HTML features for writing World Wide Web pages, including browser-specific extensions.

Networks and Communications

Internetworking with TCP/IP, Volume 001: Principles, Protocols, Architecture, Douglas R. Comer, 0-13-468505-91995, Prentice-Hall International

Provides a comprehensive background for understanding the Internet suite of protocols and how they are used in modern networking.

TCP/IP Illustrated, Volume 1: The Protocols, W. Richard Stevens, 0-201-63346-91995, Addison-Wesley

The first volume in a comprehensive series of three books about the protocols used in the Internet. Makes extensive use of the tcpdump program to show what network packets look like.

TCP/IP Network Administration, Second Edition, Craig Hunt, 0-937175-82-X1997, O'Reilly & Associates

A complete guide to setting up and running a TCP/IP network. While this book is not Linux specific, roughly 90 percent of it is applicable to Linux. Coupled with the Linux NET-3-HOWTO and Linux Network Administrator's Guide, this is a great book discussing the concepts and technical details of managing TCP/IP. Covers setting up a network, configuring network applications, routing mail and resolving addresses, trouble- shooting, and setting up security.

Samba--Integrating Unix and Windows, John D. Blair, 1998

A comprehensive guide to setting up Samba that contains lots of examples and a good introduction into Windows networking protocols.

DNS and BIND, Third Edition, Cricket Liu, Paul Albitz, 1-56592-010-41998, O'Reilly & Associates

Provides thorough treatment of the Internet Domain Name System and of the Unix implementation: Berkeley Internet Name Domain (BIND). An important resource for system administrators, because this book shows how to set up and maintain the DNS software on a network.

Managing NFS and NIS, Hal Stern, 0-937175-75-71991, O'Reilly & Associates

Describes management of the Network File System and the Network Information System for system administrators who need to set up and manage a network filesystem installation and network-information services. Includes PC/NFS and automounter configuration.

sendmail, Second Edition, Bryan Costales, Eric Allman, 1-56592-056-21997, O'Reilly & Associates

A hefty and possibly intimidating book, but really a fine and complete description of how to configure sendmail. Includes extensive reference material.

Apache--The Definitive Guide, Ben Laurie, Peter Laurie, 1-56592-250-61997, O'Reilly & Associates

Explains how to install and configure the Apache web server, including Server-Side. Covers how to write external modules using the Apache API.

Programming Languages and Utilities

The C Programming Language, Second Edition, Brian Kernighan, Dennis Ritchie, 0-13-110362-81988, Prentice Hall

The classic reference on the C language, by its creators. Updated to cover ANSI C in the second edition.

Advanced Programming in the Unix Environment, Richard Stevens, 0-201-56317-71992, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co.

Introduces and describes the use of Unix system calls in detail.

Using and Porting GNU CC for Version 2.8, Richard M. Stallman, Free Software Foundation

Discusses many gcc command options, language extensions, and other considerations in using the GNU C compiler.

Unix Shell Programming, Stephen Kochan, Patrick Wood, 0-672-48448-X1990, Hayden Press

A well-known guide to writing shell scripts.

Learning Perl, Second Edition, Randal L. Schwartz, Tom Christiansen, 1-56592-042-21997, O'Reilly & Associates

Provides a hands-on tutorial designed to get you writing useful Perl scripts as quickly as possible. Perl provides a portable replacement (Unix, DOS, and other operating systems) for shell programming that incorporates a superset of sed and awk functionality.

Programming Perl, Second Edition, Larry Wall, Randal L. Schwartz, 0-937175-64-11996, O'Reilly & Associates

Provides an authoritative guide to the powerful and portable Perl programming language, co-authored by its creator, Larry Wall.

Advanced Perl Programming, Sriram Srinivasan, 1-56592-220-41997, O'Reilly & Associates

Covers many difficult and rarely described topics in Perl programming like embedding and extending the Perl interpreter, networking, and building complex data structures.

Perl Cookbook, Tom Christiansen, Nathan Torkington, 1-56592-243-31998, O'Reilly & Associates

Contains literally hundreds of ready-to-use Perl code snippets for Perl programs.

Tcl and the Tk Toolkit, John K. Ousterhout, 0-20-63337-X1994, Addison-Wesley Publishing Co.

Describes the Tcl and Tk languages. Written by the inventor, most of the book is devoted to a discussion of Tk commands and widgets. Also tells how to embed Tcl and Tk in C programs.

Tcl/Tk in a Nutshell, Paul Raines, Jeff Tranter, 1-56592-433-91999, O'Reilly & Associates

A quick-ref to all Tcl and Tk commands as well as popular extensions.

Java in a Nutshell, Second Edition, David Flanagan, 1-56592-183-61997, O'Reilly & Associates

A reference work on the Java language with some tutorial sections and examples.

Programming with Qt, Matthias Kalle Dalheimer, 1-56592-588-21999, O'Reilly & Associates

A thorough introduction to the Qt toolkit. This readable guide is a good source of information on advanced Qt programming topics.

Managing Projects with make, Second Edition, Andrew Oram, Steve Talbott, 0-937175-90-01991, O'Reilly & Associates

Describes all the basic features of the make utility and provides guidelines to programmers on using make for managing large compilation projects.

GNU Make, Version 3.77, Richard M. Stallman, Roland McGrath, 1998, Free Software Foundation

Describes the powerful GNU version of the make utility--both basic use and advanced features.

Software Portability with imake, Second Edition, Paul DuBois, 1-56592-055-41996, O'Reilly & Associates

Describes the imake utility, which works with make to let code be compiled and installed on different Unix machines.

POSIX Programmer's Guide, Donald Lewine, 0-937175-73-01991, O'Reilly & Associates

Explains the X/Open POSIX standards and is a reference for the POSIX.1 programming library, helping you write more portable programs. Linux is intended to be POSIX-compliant, although its compliance is uncertified.

Debugging with GDB: The GNU Source-Level Debugger for GDC Version 4.18, Richard M. Stallman, Cygnus Solutions, 1999, Free Software Foundation

Describes how to use the gdb debugger, the standard debugger on Linux and probably the most popular debugger in the Unix world.

Learning Python, Mark Lutz, David Asher, 1-56592-464-91999, O'Reilly & Associates

A gentle introduction to Python.

Programming Python, Mark Lutz, 1-56592-197-61996, O'Reilly & Associates

Teaches you everything you ever wanted to know about Python, including text processing, writing graphical user interfaces, and embedding Python.

Thinking in Java, Bruce Eckel, 0-13-659723-81998, Prentice-Hall PTR

Covers most Java topics and also includes valuable general programming hints.

Exploring Java, Second Edition, Patrick Niemeyer, Joshua Peck, 1-56592-184-41997, O'Reilly & Associates

A general introduction to the Java programming language from the very extensive O'Reilly Java series.

Core Java 2, Volume 1: Fundamentals, Fourth Edition, Gary Cornell, Cay S. Horstmann, 0-13-565755-51999, Prentice Hall

A thorough--if lengthy--introduction to all basic Java topics. Part of the SunSoft Press Java series.

System Administration

Unix System Administration Handbook, Second Edition, Evi Nemeth, Garth Snyder, Scott Seebass, 0-13-933441-61995, Prentice Hall

The most frequently recommended book on the subject.

Essential System Administration, Second Edition, AEleen Frisch, 0-937175-80-31995, O'Reilly & Associates

Guides you through the system administration tasks on a Unix system.

Practical Unix and Internet Security, Second Edition, Simson Garfinkel, Gene Spafford, 0-937175-72-21996, O'Reilly & Associates

An excellent book on Unix system security. It taught us quite a few things that we didn't know, even with several years of Unix system-administration experience. As with most Unix books, this book is geared for large systems, but almost all of the content is relevant to Linux. Explains network security (including UUCP, NFS, Kerberos, and firewall machines) in detail.

Volume 8: X Window System Administrator's Guide, Linda Mui, Eric Pearce, 1-56592-052-X1992, O'Reilly & Associates)

Covers detailed system-administration guidance for the X Window System and X-based networks for X administrators. Can be purchased with or without a CD-ROM.

Personal Computer Hardware

The Winn L. Rosch Hardware Bible, Winn L. Rosch, 1-56686-127-61994, Brady Publishing Div. Macmillan Computer Publishing

A comprehensive guide to PC components and peripherals. You will find this book useful when purchasing, maintaining, repairing, and upgrading PCs. Though oriented primarily toward the Intel and clone systems, it is broadly useful because it covers technology, theory, and practice in computer architecture. It is applicable to all significant personal computer systems, as well as containing information specific to the ISA, EISA, and Microchannel systems (and the various secondary buses). This book can probably tell you what you need to know about microprocessors, memory, modems, MIDI, and more.

HOWTOs (Partial List)

Installation HOWTO, Eric Raymond

Describes how to obtain and install a distribution of Linux, similar to the information presented in Chapter 3, "Installation and Initial Configuration".

The Linux Distribution HOWTO, Eric Raymond

Lists Linux distributions available via mail order and anonymous FTP. It also includes information on other Linux-related goodies and services.

XFree86 HOWTO, Eric Raymond

Describes how to install and configure the X Window System software for Linux. See Chapter 10, "Installing the X Window System", for more about the X Window System.

Bootdisk HOWTO, Tom Fawcett

Discusses the creation and uses of Linux boot disks, covering various methods and systems. A good resource for new Linux users because it covers basic information on disk types and disk components. Gives example file setups as well as references to an FAQ, related software, and other HOWTOs.

Linux BootPrompt HOWTO, Paul Gortmaker, ed.

Offers an overview of boot-prompt arguments and explains the commonly used LILO booting program. Includes a comprehensive list of kernel parameters and device parameters, as well as popular software and hardware options for booting a Linux system.

The CD Writing HOWTO, Winfried Trümper

Covers the installation of devices that write CD-ROMs and how to use them to burn a CD-ROM.

UUCP HOWTO, Guylhem Aznar

A brief introduction to installing UUCP, with special attention to the Taylor version that is standard for Linux.

Hardware Compatibility HOWTO, Patrick Reignen

Contains an extensive list of hardware supported by Linux. While this list is far from complete, it should give users a general picture of which hardware devices are supported by the system.

SCSI Programming HOWTO, Heiko Eissfeldt

Information on programming the generic Linux SCSI interface.

PCI HOWTO, Michael Will

Offers a comprehensive look at PCI-Linux compatibility. Contains a thorough description of why to use PCI and explains how PCI can be used with Linux, including sections on Ethernet cards, video cards, and motherboards. Summarizes the author's research on PCI-Linux compatibility, with specific reports on both successes and problems, and recommends hardware to use with PCI.

The Linux CD-ROM HOWTO, Jeff Tranter

Lists supported CD-ROM drives and explains how to install, configure, and read from a drive. Also describes some useful utilities that can be used with a CD-ROM drive.

Kernel HOWTO, Brian Ward

Deals with configuring, compiling, and patching the kernel. Provides additional information on related material, including programs and modules, warns of several common problems, and discusses tips for using the kernel. Includes a list of applicable HOWTOs.

NET-3 HOWTO, Terry Dawson

Describes installation, setup, and configuration of the NET-3 TCP/IP software under Linux, including SLIP. If you want to use TCP/IP on your Linux system, this document is a must read.

The Linux Ethernet HOWTO, Paul Gortmaker, ed.

Describes the various Ethernet devices supported by Linux and explains how to configure each of them for use by the Linux TCP/IP software. This document is closely related to the NET-3-HOWTO.

PPP HOWTO, Robert Hart

Focuses on connecting PCs running Linux to a PPP server. Covers configuring kernels and modems, setting up the PPP files and connection, and automating and shutting down connections. Includes troubleshooting and debugging tips and sources of further PPP information.

DNS HOWTO, Nicolai Langfeldt

Focuses on setting up a simple DNS name server. Includes sample files for DNS configuration, tips on maintaining a bug-free server, and scripts for automatic setup. Also provides a brief reference list of online and printed DNS documentation.

NIS HOWTO, Thorsten Kukuk

Compares NIS versus NIS+ and NIS versus NYS. Describes setup for both NIS and NYS, including tips on installation, common problems, and server programs. Presents both a helpful glossary of NIS-related terms and an FAQ address.

Firewall HOWTO, Mark Grennan

Defines firewalls and their pros and cons. Details the basic setup for firewalls on a PC running Linux, focusing on proxy servers. Includes a small section on advanced firewall configuration.

ISP Hookup HOWTO, Egil Kvaleberg

Deals with basic Internet Service Provider configuration. Covers surfing the Net, sending and receiving email, reading news, and establishing automated connections. Summarizes related information with a helpful list of online documentation, including other HOWTOs.

GCC HOWTO, Daniel Barlow

Describes the installation and setup of the gcc compiler. Covers compiling, debugging, linking, and dynamic loading of programs with gcc.

Shadow Password HOWTO, Michael H. Jackson

Deals with installing, compiling, and configuring Shadow Suite, a Linux password program. Explains why you should shadow the passwd file and lists other programs that need to work in conjunction with Shadow Suite. Includes an FAQ and changes from the previous release.

The Linux Printing HOWTO, Grant Taylor

Describes how to configure printing software under Linux, such as lpr. Configuration of printers and printing software under Unix can be confusing at times; this document sheds some light on the subject.

DOSEMU HOWTO, Uwe Bonnes and David Hodges

Introduces Dosemu with a run down on the particulars of development and versions. Explains compiling and installing it, then discusses compatibility with hardware and software for X, Windows, and Netware, as well as video and sound. Includes sections on identifying and fixing problems.

UMSDOS HOWTO, Jacques Gelinas,

Explains the availability, documentation, installation, and operation of UMSDOS, a Linux filesystem. Includes explanations of pseudo-root, booting with UMSDOS, and DOS partitions. Discusses reasons to use UMSDOS and compares it to Ext2.

Commercial HOWTO, Mr. Poet,

Less of a "HOWTO" than a list of commercial software and applications, the Linux Commercial HOWTO is more for those interested in commercial Linux opportunities. Discusses methods of marketing applications and lists currently available Linux products.

Linux Access HOWTO, Michael De La Rue

Focuses on information for users with physical disabilities or who may have difficulty using Linux with standard computer hardware. Includes suggestions for obtaining aids (such as voice-recognition software) and lists other sources where related information can be obtained.

Ftape HOWTO, Kevin Johnson

Describes the installation and use of the floppy tape driver that works on QIC-80 and QIC-40 compatible drives. This driver lets you attach tape drives to a floppy-disk controller.

Internet Requests For Comments

RFC 1597. Address Allocation for Private Internets, Y. Rekhter, T. J. Watson

Lists the IP network numbers private organizations can use internally without having to register these network numbers with the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). The document also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using these numbers.

RFC 1340. Assigned Numbers, J. Postel, J. Reynolds

Defines the meaning of numbers used in various protocols, such as the port numbers standard TCP and UDP servers are known to listen on, and the protocol numbers used in the IP datagram header.

RFC 1144. Compressing TCP/IP Headers for Low-Speed Serial Links, V. Jacobson

Describes the algorithm used to compress TCP/IP headers in CSLIP and PPP.

RFC 1033. Domain Administrators Operations Guide, M. Lottor

Together with its companion RFCs, RFC 1034, and RFC 1035, this is the definitive source on DNS, the Domain Name System.

RFC 1034. Domain Names-Concepts and Facilities, P. V. Mockapetris

A companion to RFC 1033.

RFC 1035. Domain Names--Implementation and Specification, P. V. Mockapetris

A companion to RFC 1033.

RFC 974. Mail Routing and the Domain System, C. Partridge

Describes mail routing on the Internet. It tells the full story about MX records.

RFC 977. Network News Transfer Protocol, B. Kantor, P. Lapsley

Defines NNTP, the common news transport used on the Internet.

RFC 1094. NFS: Network File System Protocol specification, B. Nowicki,

The formal specification of the NFS and mount protocols (Version 2).

RFC 1055. Nonstandard for Transmission of IP Datagrams over Serial Lines: SLIP, J. L. Romkey,

Describes SLIP, the Serial Line Internet Protocol.

RFC 1057 RPC: Remote Procedure Call Protocol Specification: Version 2, Sun Microsystems, Inc.

The formal specification of the encoding used for remote procedure calls, which underlie both NFS and NIS.

RFC 1058. Routing Information Protocol, C. L. Hedrick

Describes RIP, which is used to exchange dynamic routing information within LANs and WANs.

RFC 1535. A Security Problem and Proposed Correction with Widely Deployed DNS Software, E. Gavron

Discusses a security problem with the default search list used by older versions of the BIND resolver library.

RFC 1036. Standard for the Interchange of Usenet messages, R.Adams, M. R. Horton

Describes the format of Usenet news messages and how they are exchanged on the Internet as well as on UUCP networks. A revision of this RFC is expected to be released in the near future.

RFC 822. Standard for the Format of ARPA Internet Text Messages, D. Crocker,

The definitive source of wisdom regarding, well, RFC-conformant mail. Everyone knows it; few have really read it.

RFC 821. Simple Mail Transfer Protocol, J. B. Postel

Defines SMTP, the mail transport protocol over TCP/IP.



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