Product: 059600589X

Of all the companies that arose to make a business around linux, Red Hat is perhaps the most successful, at least in the US. Many people wanting to install linux on their machines, or those buying machines with linux pre-installed, often encounter Red Hat’s version. Accordingly, this book is in its 4th edition, updated in part because linux keeps expanding its functionality. But another change from previous editions is due to Red Hat replacing Red Hat Linux with an Enterprise and Professional versions. Plus, a group of volunteers, independent of, but supported by, Red Hat, split off a version called Fedora. The reason for Red Hat’s actions seems to be a search for higher margins. Anyway, McCarty describes both the Enterprise and Fedora. As he explains, currently there is in fact little difference. Mostly due to the recent divergence.
If you are currently using an earlier Red Hat Linux, and feel quite comfortable with it, then you might want to just glance at this book to decide if you find enough need to upgrade now.
But if you have never used linux, of any ilk, then perhaps this book might be more useful. If you are going to migrate, you might as well do so to as recent a stable version as possible. McCarty presupposes no prior knowledge of linux or unix on your part. He explains clearly the salient features. The numerous screen captures are well chosen, in support of the text.
But you should be aware that McCarty does assume some prior acquaintance with computers. Most commonly Microsoft or Apple. In keeping with the O’Reilly tradition, the book does not start from scratch.
Rating: 4
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