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.

How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know

How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know

Unlike some operating systems, Linux doesn't try to hide the important bits from you—it gives you full control of your computer. But to truly master Linux, you need to understand its internals, like how the system boots, how networking works, and what the kernel actually does.

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Linux Basics for Hackers: Getting Started with Networking, Scripting, and Security in Kali

Linux Basics for Hackers: Getting Started with Networking, Scripting, and Security in Kali

This practical, tutorial-style book uses the Kali Linux distribution to teach Linux basics with a focus on how hackers would use them. Topics include Linux command line basics, filesystems, networking, BASH basics, package management, logging, and the Linux kernel and drivers.

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Linux Essentials

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

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 pour les nuls

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 in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference

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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Additional Linux Reading

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

Linux in a Nutshell

Linux in a Nutshell

Linux in a Nutshell covers the core commands available on common Linux distributions. This isn't a scaled-down quick reference of common commands, but a complete reference to all user, programming, administration, and networking commands with complete lists of options.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

The Linux Command Line: A Complete Introduction

The Linux Command Line: A Complete Introduction

You've experienced the shiny, point-and-click surface of your Linux computer—now dive below and explore its depths with the power of the command line. The Linux Command Line takes you from your very first terminal keystrokes to writing full programs in Bash, the most popular Linux shell. Along the way you'll learn the timeless skills handed down by generations of gray-bearded, mouse-shunning g…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Linux Administration Handbook

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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Linux for Beginners

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.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

Linux pocket guide

Linux pocket guide

Linux Pocket Guide provides an organized learning path to help you gain mastery of the most useful and important commands. Whether you're a novice who needs to get up to speed on Linux or an experienced user who wants a concise and functional reference, this guide provides quick answers.

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

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.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise

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

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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