The 14 Best Linux Books

This article provides readers with a comprehensive guide to the best Linux books available. It covers different titles that offer valuable insight into Linux, ranging from introductory guides for beginners to more technical texts aimed at experienced users and hackers. With these picks, you can learn all about this powerful operating system, enabling your own journey of discovery in the world of computing technology.

1. Linux Bible
   
   Christopher Negus
   Published in 2020
   
   

   Linux Bible 10th Edition by Christopher Negus is the essential guide for any user or aspiring expert of the open source operating system. It covers all you need to know about Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 8), Fedora 30 and Ubuntu 18.04 LTS with detailed instructions that are easy to follow even if you have no prior knowledge. The author provides a thorough explanation on cloud computing while also teaching simplified administrative techniques plus guidance on storage, users and security management. With this edition comes an excellent focus on RHEL 8 as well as information concerning containerization, Ansible automation, Kubernetes and OpenShift which makes it ideal for modern day technology use in data centers. This comprehensive text also contains exam prep materials making it one of the best Linux books for software developers who wish to utilize Linux skills professionally too!

2. Linux
   
   Mark Reed
   Published in 2023
   
   

   Linux: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Learning Linux Command Line Fast with No Prior Experience is a must-have for anyone looking to quickly and easily learn the basics of this popular operating system. It offers an accessible, step-by-step guide that will help even those with no prior knowledge get up and running in no time. This comprehensive manual covers theory as well as practical experience, providing readers all the essential tools they need to become proficient users. Topics range from installation instructions through user management commands and network monitoring in Linux to programming and shell scripting. Even more experienced programmers can benefit from useful tips about cloud computing with Linux included within its pages. In short, this interactive guide is truly invaluable for any newcomer seeking a clear path into the world of computers powered by one of today’s most widely used systems –Linux!

3. The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition: A Complete Introduction
   
   William Shotts
   Published in 2019
   
   

   The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition: A Complete Introduction is an enlightening read for both novice and experienced Linux users. It offers readers a comprehensive introduction to the command line with hands-on examples of how to use it effectively. Author William Shotts goes beyond the basics by providing insight into the timeless skills inherited from Unix gurus such as file navigation, environment configuration, process management and other tasks related to system administration. Additionally, he explains in detail concepts like regular expressions, piping commands together and text editing using Vi — one of the oldest yet most popular text editors used today. With its easy-to-follow chapters and valuable tutorials this book provides invaluable knowledge that allows readers not only gain proficiency in command line usage but also understand why these tools are so powerful when used correctly.

4. Linux Basics for Hackers
   
   OccupyTheWeb
   Published in 2018
   
   

   ‘Linux Basics for Hackers’ is an excellent book that provides a thorough introduction to Linux and hacking concepts. With this guide, users will be able to learn the basics of using Kali Linux as well as how to cover their tracks, write scripts with Bash and Python, connect securely on networks, use services like MySQL and Apache web server, build tools such as remote video spy cameras or password crackers – all in one place! It’s perfect for those just starting out along the path of hacking and pentesting who want a quick but comprehensive overview without feeling overwhelmed by complex topics. This tutorial-style book uses practical exercises that are reinforced throughout so readers can test knowledge acquired from each chapter. ‘Linux Basics for Hackers’ is sure to inspire budding techies into becoming cybersecurity experts!

5. How Linux Works, 3rd Edition: What Every Superuser Should Know
   
   Brian Ward
   Published in 2021
   
   

   “How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know”, is an essential guide for mastering the Linux operating system. Written by Brian Ward and newly updated with coverage of Logical Volume Manager (LVM), virtualization, and containers, this third edition dives deep into understanding how the inner workings of Linux work. From boot loaders to init (systemd) processes to networking, firewalls and servers; from development tools to shared libraries; readers will gain a comprehensive knowledge on all aspects of their computer’s functionality. This best-selling title has sold over 50 thousand copies since 2014 due its thorough explanations which enable readers to take control of their operating systems through effective shell scripts. Highly recommended, it is among the best linux books!

6. Linux Pocket Guide: Essential Commands
   
   Daniel Barrett
   Published in 2016
   
   

   Linux Pocket Guide is a comprehensive and convenient pocket guide to essential Linux commands. This book is perfect for experienced users in need of a concise reference, as well as novice users who want to become familiar with the system. It features new commands for processing image, audio files, managing user accounts and controlling processes. Furthermore, it provides powerful command line idioms such as process substitution and piping into bash; topics include filesystems & shells, file creation/editing, text manipulation/pipelines backup & remote storage etc. This handy guide allows you to quickly find answers while learning important concepts that help increase your efficiency at the command line. A great resource for any Linux user looking to gain mastery over their own system!

7. Learn Linux Quickly
   
   Code Quickly, Paul H Bartley
   Published in 2021
   
   

   This book, Learn Linux Quickly, provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of Linux. It takes readers from complete beginners in the command line interface to writing complex programs by providing step-by-step instructions and exercises that help them practice what they’ve learned. From file navigation to system administration, this book covers it all with clear guidance and easy-to-understand language. The author also dives into the philosophy behind these tools and explores their rich heritage derived from Unix mainframes making it an invaluable resource for those interested in learning more about Linux. With practical knowledge accompanied by valuable insights, this is a must have guide for anyone wanting to become proficient in the Linux operating system or just gain better understanding of how it works.

8. LFM: Linux Field Manual
   
   Tim Bryant
   Published in 2021
   
   

   This pocket guide to Linux is a great reference manual for IT administrators and professionals. The book covers all the basics, from descriptions of POST, MBR and Bootloaders to command references for common admin commands, scripting languages (BASH, Python & Perl), filesystem architecture and remote access protocols such as SSH, Samba & FTP. It also includes information on popular web servers and databases like MySQL, MS SQL & PostgreSQL. This handy little volume provides an invaluable resource without needing internet access or any other external help – perfect for anyone in need of quick answers while out in the field! With concise explanations that are easy-to-follow yet comprehensive enough not to leave readers wanting more detail; this book is truly worth its price tag.

9. Practical Linux Forensics: A Guide for Digital Investigators
   
   Bruce Nikkel
   Published in 2021
   
   

   Bruce Nikkel’s Practical Linux Forensics is an invaluable resource for digital investigators looking to uncover evidence from current Linux systems. It provides detailed guidance and examples on technical elements such as partition tables, volume managers, filesystems, encryption techniques, and logs. This book explains how to analyze the startup process of a Linux machine; examine installed software packages; determine time settings and locale; reconstruct user login sessions; extract information about networks and peripheral devices attached to it; use power-related artifacts in investigations;and more. With its comprehensive coverage of forensic analysis across different distros like Debian, Fedora or SUSE, this guide has something that appeals to everyone – whether they are newbies interested in learning the fundamentals or pros seeking advanced tactics. Overall, Practical Linux Forensics is a must-read primer for anyone aiming to investigate incidents involving these popular operating systems.

10. Efficient Linux at the Command Line: Boost Your Command-Line Skills
    
    Daniel Barrett
    Published in 2022
    
    

    This book, ‘Efficient Linux at the Command Line: Boost Your Command-Line Skills’, offers a comprehensive guide to mastering complex commands and navigating the Linux operating system. It is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to take their expertise in this area to the next level – be they a system administrator, software developer or enthusiast hobbyist. Written by experienced professional Daniel J. Barrett, it dives deep into topics such as creating and running powerful commands, transforming text files and automating manual tasks with detailed instructions that are easy to understand yet still highly informative. Not only does it provide information on essential command line skills but also delves into deeper knowledge of what occurs behind the scenes too – making its readers more competitive in their respective fields of work. The author provides lots of practical tips throughout backed up by real business examples which make learning both interesting and effective; additionally there’s an extensive index so you can quickly find solutions when needed! In summary then, if you’re intent on boosting your Linux command-line skills then this book should absolutely be top of your list

11. Linux Cookbook
    
    Carla Schroder
    Published in 2021
    
    

    Linux Cookbook, written by Carla Schroder, is a comprehensive guide for both novices and intermediate Linux users. This handy cookbook offers copy-paste examples along with explanations of how each recipe works to get readers up to speed swiftly. It covers essential skills like using systemd service manager, building firewalls with firewalld, setting up secure network connections and resetting passwords on both Linux & Windows systems. The book also provides instructions on managing users & groups access control; hardware probing and monitoring; bootloader configuration; time management across networks etc., as well as an internet router/firewall setup for Raspberry Pi devices. With its detailed problem solving approach it makes the task at hand easier than ever before – highly recommended!

12. The Linux Programming Interface
    
    Michael Kerrisk
    Published in 2010
    
    

    The Linux Programming Interface, written by Michael Kerrisk, provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of UNIX and Linux programming. This authoritative guide is packed with detailed descriptions of system calls and library functions that are essential for mastering system programming. It contains over 500 system call references, 200 example programs and 88 tables illustrating various concepts along with 115 diagrams for better understanding. The book covers topics such as creating processes and executing programs; reading/writing files efficiently; using signals, clocks & timers; writing secure/multithreaded programs using POSIX threads; building & using shared libraries; interprocess communication (pipes, message queues etc); networking applications with sockets API etc.. Additionally it includes features specific to Linux like epoll and inotify making this an invaluable resource even on other UNIX platforms. With its clear explanation of complex ideas delivered through easily understandable examples makes this a must-have reference for any aspiring software programmer working on UNIX systems.

13. Linux Command Line and Shell Scripting Bible
    
    Richard Blum, Christine Bresnahan
    Published in 2021
    
    

    This book, Linux Command Line and Shell Scripting Bible, 4th Edition by Richard Blum and Christine Bresnahan is an essential reference for any Linux enthusiast. The thorough guide provides comprehensive instructions on the basics of shell scripting as well as advanced topics like sed and gawk editors. It has a wealth of real-world examples to help readers navigate their challenging environments with ease. Brand new content covers understanding the shell, writing script utilities, creating database web & email scripts and producing fun little shell scripts. This invaluable resource will enable users to quickly become proficient in their use of the Linux command line while also helping them find a place on every tech enthusiast’s bookshelf!

14. Practical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors, and Shell Programming, A
    
    Mark Sobell, Matthew Helmke
    Published in 2017
    
    

    A Practical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors, and Shell Programming is an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to unlock the power of Linux. Written by renowned expert Mark Sobell and new coauthor Matthew Helmke, it offers comprehensive insight into shells and the command line with hundreds of high-quality examples across various popular versions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, openSUSE, Red Hat Debian Mageia Mint Arch CentOS and macOS. This guide covers a range of topics including filesystems; MariaDB; DNF; Python; bash & tcsh shell programming; core utilities from aspell to xargs plus macOS specific ones like ditto & SetFile; system security tips using ssh/scp etc.; customizing the shell with step values sequences expressions eval builtins etc.; efficient editing techniques using vim & emacs ;102 utility reference section covering find grep sort tar apt-get BitTorrent gawk sed bzip2 regular expressions..and more! A must have book for any aspiring sysadmin or developer who wants take their knowledge of Linux to the next level.

Additional resources

We hope you liked our list of the best Linux books. To expand your knowledge on this topic further, here are some helpful links:

• Linux.com provides resources for both beginners and experts on the Linux operating system.
• Linux Journal is a magazine that offers articles and tutorials on Linux.
• The Linux Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes the use of Linux.
• LinuxCommand.org offers tutorials and resources for users who want to learn how to use the Linux command line.
• LinuxQuestions.org is a forum where users can ask questions and get answers about Linux.
• Linux.org is a community-driven website that provides news and resources about Linux.