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.

Understanding the Linux Kernel

The Linux kernel is the kernel used by Linux-based operating systems and the interface between the hardware and the computer processes. A kernel is a special program responsible for managing the low-level functions of a computer.

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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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Linux System Programming: Talking Directly to the Kernel and C Library

Write software that draws directly on services offered by the Linux kernel and core system libraries. With this comprehensive book, Linux kernel contributor Robert Love provides you with a tutorial on Linux system programming, a reference manual on Linux system calls, and an insider’s guide to writing smarter, faster code. Love clearly distinguishes between POSIX standard functions and special…

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BASH Guide

BASH Guide contains everything you need to know about Bash scripting, whether you are diving in for the first time, or are a seasoned pro.
No matter if you use Linux, Unix, Mac, Cygwin on Windows, or are preparing to run Bash natively on Windows 10, shells, scripting, automation, and command-line problem solving is a fact of life. Though BASH Guide is focused on the Bourne-again shell (BASH…

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The Linux Programming Interface

The Linux Programming Interface (TLPI) is the definitive guide to the Linux and UNIX programming interface—the interface employed by nearly every application that runs on a Linux or UNIX system.

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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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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 administration

Fully updated for the most current Linux distributions, Linux Administration: A Beginner's Guide, Fifth Edition, shows you how to set up, maintain, and troubleshoot Linux on a single server or an entire network. Get full details on granting user rights and permissions, configuring software and hardware, providing Internet and intranet services, and customizing Linux kernel 2.6. You'll also lea…

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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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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 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.

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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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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…

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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.

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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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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