How Linux Works, 2nd Edition

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.In this completely revised second edition of the perennial best seller How Linux Works, author Brian Ward makes the concepts behind Linux internals accessible to anyone curious about the inner workings of the operating system. Inside, you'll find the kind of knowledge that normally comes from years of experience doing things the hard way. You'll learn--How Linux boots, from boot loaders to init implementations (systemd, Upstart, and System V)-How the kernel manages devices, device drivers, and processes-How networking, interfaces, firewalls, and servers work-How development tools work and relate to shared libraries-How to write effective shell scriptsYou'll also explore the kernel and examine key system tasks inside user space, including system calls, input and output, and filesystems. With its combination of background, theory, real-world examples, and patient explanations, How Linux Works will teach you what you need to know to solve pesky problems and take control of your operating system.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.In this completely revised second edition of the perennial best seller How Linux Works, author Brian Ward makes the concepts behind Linux internals accessible to anyone curious about the inner workings of the operating system. Inside, you'll find the kind of knowledge that normally comes from years of experience doing things the hard way. You'll learn--How Linux boots, from boot loaders to init implementations (systemd, Upstart, and System V)-How the kernel manages devices, device drivers, and processes-How networking, interfaces, firewalls, and servers work-How development tools work and relate to shared libraries-How to write effective shell scriptsYou'll also explore the kernel and examine key system tasks inside user space, including system calls, input and output, and filesystems. With its combination of background, theory, real-world examples, and patient explanations, How Linux Works will teach you what you need to know to solve pesky problems and take control of your operating system.

"If you are interested in Linux, How Linux Works: What Every Superuser Should Know is a must-read title."
—Linux Insider

"Lots to offer on almost every aspect of the Linux architecture."
—Everyday Linux User

"You’ll get an essential understanding of what’s going on under the hood without getting bogged down in minutiae – making this a very refreshing (and wholly recommended) addition to the Linux literature."
—Phil Bull, co-author of Ubuntu Made Easy and member of the Ubuntu documentation team

"Dives straight into the transparent depths of Linux-based operating systems and shows us how all the pieces fit together."
—DistroWatch

"Earns its place on the shelf as an essential reference."
—MagPi Magazine

Brian Ward has been working with Linux since 1993. He is the author of The Linux Kernel-HOWTO, The Book of VMware (No Starch Press), and The Linux Problem Solver (No Starch Press).

How Linux Works reveals the inner workings of the Linux system, with in-depth coverage of topics such as device management, the boot sequence, system management basics, and networking. Author Brian Ward combines background theory and real-world examples to show you both "how" to administer Linux and "why" each technique works. This updated edition of the classic Linux reference explores the kernel in greater detail, with coverage of system calls, input and output, and file systems.

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