UNIX System Administration Handbook (3rd Edition)

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Summary: *THE* Unix Book
Review: This is the second Unix book that I've read from cover to cover. It covers e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g, just take a look at the table of contents! It's filled with good examples and good advice. The only thing I didn't like about it was the hefty price.

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Summary: Handbook good but not entry level
Review: After reading the reviews for this book, I rushed out to buyit. I have overseen operations for a Unix system but not been ahardcore administrator per se. Nevertheless I've had to perform basictasks to keep it going. I decided it was time to become much more Unixsavvy. I've read about half the guide and perused the rest. It is aclass piece of work, but in no way do I suggest it for a beginner. The text is written with a tone of sophistication and experience that the beginner will not grasp completely. It is a must to get the basics of Unix down solid before considering this book for administration. The Peachpit Quickstart series has been a great starter for me in many areas and Unix is no different. The book is a superb introduction to Unix...it is TRULY for beginners. Get those basics down and get Unix on your box...then as your second purchase, get the Administrator's Handbook...A first book it IS NOT.

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Summary: Still the Best
Review: Even though I'm a senior Unix admin, and know most of what is covered in the book, I couldn't resist ordering a copy (my employer generously paid for it). There's loads of technical information, but what really makes this book outstanding is it is full of opinions, recommendations, and war stories, almost all of which seem to be true and useful (except I'm still baffled why they like gated.) No filler - 100% useful stuff. This book is still the stranded-on-a-desert-island standard for entry-level Unix admins.

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Summary: This is a must have book!
Review: This book is excellent, definitely a must-have. The downside is the price. If you find it on sale, pick it up!

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Summary: Essential Administration Details
Review: This book is not for beginners, but is easy to read nonetheless. It covers all facets of system administration including real-life "gotchas" which make the book interesting as well as informative. I must have a dozen books on *nix and this is easily the best.

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Summary: A must have for System Administrators
Review: This book is by far the best book out there for general UNIX system adminstration. The third edition is even better than the second. Whereas the second edition sometimes got bogged down in trying to mention too many different UNIX flavors, this new addition just concentrates on four main ones (HP-UX, Solaris, Red Hat Linux, and BSD). An excellent decision because it nows has great details and specifics about the four types. An excellent reference and it's entertaining to read too! Highly recommended.

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Summary: Comprehensive!
Review: This book not only provides good introduction to understanding of Unix administration, but also unlike many books out there, deals with real issues and problems of system administration. Only reason why I did not give five stars rating is its price. Although this book can be invaluable tool for Unix administrators at all levels, it does not go into greater detail or does lack examples on some of the discussions, and therefore, I felt that the price...is not justified. However, I would consider combination of this book and another reference-type book essential in any serious Unix user's personal library.

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Summary: Great UNIX Starter
Review: I'm always hesitant to give overly positive reviews but not only is this book a great resource for me, a unix neophyte, I also hear from old unix gurus that this is a truely beneficial installment to anyone's library. I believe the addition of Linux is a wise one and really appreciate the BSD and Solaris help.

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Summary: excellent for starters
Review: this book is simply hands-down the best book for UNIX systems administrators - especially for beginners. it's format makes it very easy to understand, and the examples given are plain and simple. very easy to understand. thank you evi nemeth!

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Summary: Popular Operating System Missing
Review: I have made extensive use of both the first and the second editions. They both contained very valuable and useful information. Therefore, I was quite disappointed to find that the popular operating system IRIX doesn't have explicit coverage in the third and latest edition.