Review of "Dr Linux"

This is a monster of a book! Over 1100 pages and and inch and a half thick. Quite simply it is the major works from the Linux Documentation Project printed out so you have them as a printed reference you can read in bed or on the train, or just to be able to have open as a reference while you work at your computer. If you want to get a lot of knowledge about Linux under your belt then paper is easier on your eyes than a computer screen.

It is also very interesting to see what a high quality of typesetting can be produced using the TeX - the free text processing system that is part of Linux.

The size of the book is a bit intimidating - it barley fits into a briefcase. I would rather have seen it as two or more smaller volumes to make it a bit more manageable.

The hefty size of book is explained by a very comprehensive contents:

• Linux Installation and Getting Started - by Matt Welsh. This is the same book as included in the Slackware Professional Release.
• The Linux Kernel Hackers Guide - by Michael K. Johnson. Covers issues of Linux kernel design and device driver writing.
• The Linux Network Administrators' Guide - by Olaf Kirch. Note: this is also available in an enhanced form as a book from O'Reilly (see separate review in this issue).
• Linux System Administrators' Guide - marked as a "TRUST THIS AND DIE" Alpha version.
• LILO (Generic Boot Loader for Linux) User's Guide.
• The Linux Busmouse HOWTO.
• The Linux CD-ROM HOWTO.
• The dosemu HOWTO - how to run MS-DOS software under Linux.
• The Linux Distribution HOWTO.
• The Linux Ethernet HOWTO.
• ftape HOWTO.
• The Linux Hardware HOWTO. - This is a list of what hardware of all sorts is known to work with Linux. The printed version is a good starting point.
• Linux HOWTO Index - How to find other howtos on the net.
• The Linux Installation HOWTO.
• The Linux Japanise Extensions HOWTO.
• The Linux Keystroke HOWTO - how to set up keyboard macros.
• The MGR Window System HOWTO.
• The Linux Electronic Mail HOWTO.
• The Linux News HOWTO.
• The Linux Printing HOWTO.
• The Linux XFree86 HOWTO.
• Index - But only 20 pages of it so don't expect it to be completley comprehensive.

The alternative to Dr Linux is to print the books out yourself. However if you are realistic about the running costs of your printer then you will find buying books of any size is always cheaper than trying to print them yourself! Whatever other single title Linux books you buy I would recommend getting Dr Linux as a comprehensive coverage of Linux.

Dr Linux is available from Lasermoon, the co-publishers. The normal price is £28.95 but there is a 20% discount for UKUUG members!