Top Linux books recommended by experts

At MentorCruise, we are all about making the most out of the experience of others. As part of that, we've connected and asked dozens of experts and professionals about their favourite Linux books – and here are the answers.

Table of Contents

Fundamentals of Linux

Understanding the concepts of Linux starts with understanding the fundamentals. On your way to mastery, it's crucial for you to understand how certain concepts were derived, and why things work like they do. Starting with these resources is the best way to do so.

The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition: A Complete Introduction

The Linux Command Line takes you from your very first terminal keystrokes to writing full programs in Bash, the most popular Linux shell (or command line). Along the way you'll learn the timeless skills handed down by generations of experienced, mouse-shunning gurus: file navigation, environment configuration, command chaining, pattern matching with regular expressions, and more. In addition t…

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Linux Command Line and Shell Scripting Bible

Linux Command Line and Shell Scripting Bible, 4th Edition is the newest installment in the indispensable series known to Linux developers all over the world. Packed with concrete strategies and practical tips, the latest edition includes brand-new content covering: Understanding the Shell Writing Simple Script Utilities Producing Database, Web & Email Scripts Creating Fun Little Shell Scripts …

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Linux in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference

This updated edition offers a tighter focus on Linux system essentials, as well as more coverage of new capabilities such as virtualization, wireless network management, and revision control with git. It also highlights the most important options for using the vast number of Linux commands.

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Linux pour les nuls

One of the fastest ways to learn Linux is with this perennial favoriteEight previous top-selling editions of "Linux For Dummies" can't be wrong. If you've been wanting to migrate to Linux, this book is the best way to get there. Written in easy-to-follow, everyday terms, "Linux For Dummies 9th Edition" gets you started by concentrating on two distributions of Linux that beginners love: the Ubu…

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Linux Administration Handbook

This book is divided into three large chunks: Basic Administration, Networking, and Bunch o' Stuff. Basic Administration provides a broad overview of Linux from a system administrator's perspective. The chapters in this section cover most of the facts and techniques needed to run a stand-alone Linux system.

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How Linux Works, 3rd Edition: What Every Superuser Should Know

This edition has been thoroughly updated and expanded with added coverage of Logical Volume Manager (LVM), virtualization, and containers. You'll also explore the kernel and examine key system tasks inside user space, including system calls, input and output, and filesystems.

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Additional Linux Reading

These books are not required for you to learn Linux, but they are highly recommended for you to deepen your knowledge.

Shell Scripting: How to Automate Command Line Tasks Using Bash Scripting and Shell Programming

If you want to learn how to write shell scripts like a pro, solve real-world problems, or automate repetitive and complex tasks, read on.
Hello. My name is Jason Cannon and I'm the author of Linux for Beginners, Python Programming for Beginners, and an instructor to thousands of satisfied students. I started my IT career in the late 1990's as a Unix and Linux System Engineer and I'll be sha…

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Learn Linux Quickly: A Beginner-friendly Guide to Getting Up and Running with the World's Most Powerful Operating System

Linux is one of the most sought-after skills in the IT industry, with jobs involving Linux being increasingly in demand. Linux is by far the most popular operating system deployed in both public and private clouds; it is the processing power behind the majority of IoT and embedded devices. Do you use a mobile device that runs on Android? Even Android is a Linux distribution.

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Linux Essentials

Linux Essentials, 2nd Edition provides a solid foundation of knowledge for anyone considering a career in information technology, for anyone new to the Linux operating system, and for anyone who is preparing to sit for the Linux Essentials Exam. Through this engaging resource, you can access key information in a learning-by-doing style. Hands-on tutorials and end-of-chapter exercises and revie…

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Linux for Beginners

Linux is an operating system (OS), which is the primary software that a computer uses to execute tasks and communicate directions to its hardware. Both ethical (white hat) hackers and malicious (black hat) hackers often prefer to use the Linux operating system (OS) over Windows OS.

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Linux Bible

Written by a Red Hat expert, this book provides the clear explanations and step-by-step instructions that demystify Linux and bring the new features seamlessly into your workflow.

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Command Line Kung Fu

Command Line Kung Fu is packed with dozens of tips and over 100 practical real-world examples. You won't find theoretical examples in this book. The examples demonstrate how to solve actual problems and accomplish worthwhile goals. The tactics are easy to find, too.

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Specializations and Deeper Linux Knowledge

You've got your basics in order – time to move on to some advanced and specialized concepts. Linux is evolving every day, these books can help you master it.

The Debian Administrator's Handbook: Debian Jessie From Discovery To Mastery

Accessible to all, this book teaches the essentials to anyone who wants to become an effective and independent Debian GNU/Linux administrator. It covers all the topics that a competent Linux administrator should master, from the installation and the update of the system, up to the creation of packages and the compilation of the kernel, but also monitoring, backup and migration, without forgett…

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Kali Linux for Beginners; A step-by-step Guide to Ethical Hacking: Mastering Cybersecurity with Hands-On Exercises

Are you fascinated by the world of cybersecurity? Do you want to learn the same tools used by hackers and penetration testers—but without feeling overwhelmed by technical jargon? Kali Linux for Beginners offers an accessible way to step into the realm of ethical hacking, even if you have zero prior experience. This comprehensive guide takes you from a beginner to a capable ethical hacker with …

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This list is curated by MentorCruise and can include Amazon affiliate links. Have any other suggestions? Add here.

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