Top Linux books curated by experts

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

  • Curated by industry experts
  • Proven learning resources
  • Updated annually
Top Linux books recommended by experts
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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.

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.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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

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 w…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Linux Bible

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.

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 L…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

Linux administration

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 h…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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

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 stu…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

A Practical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors, and Shell Programming

A Practical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors, and Shell Programming

Linux is today’s dominant Internet server platform. System administrators and Web developers need deep Linux fluency, including expert knowledge of shells and the command line. This is the only guide with everything you need to achieve that level of Linux mastery. Renowned Linux expert Mark Sobe…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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 E…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

BASH Guide

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-…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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.

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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.

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

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 pr…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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 pa…

Recommended by the experts and mentors at MentorCruise.

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