The Free BSD Handbook

I am a complete FreeBSD newbie. I got this book hoping to be able to set up a FreeBSD server, and accomplished it with help from the book, but there were some differences and some confusing points in this book, but that's to be expected with revisions in FreeBSD itself. The only true complaint I have with this book is that it does not go into full descriptions on certain things; Example they begin talking about topic one, then branches off from there going into depth about topic two, then topic three, while your still wondering what topic one was still all about. That happened maybe twice in this book. Other than that, its a great beginners book.

This book is by far the best source of info for those new to UNIX. It takes a step by step approach explaining all aspects of the FreeBSD environment and basic UNIX concepts. Even if you never install FreeBSD, this book is a great reference that is applicable to any UNIX/Linux environment. For you cheap skates, this same book is available on line at the FreeBSD website.

With this second edition, the FreeBSD Handbook comes of age. It even has an index now! Nik Clayton and Murray Stokley (and many contributors) have rewritten a good deal and clarified more, and added real screen shots.Yes, it's available on your hard drive. But for me a book is a better random access device than computer file (or a bunch of html files)--I have a better chance of finding what I need and keeping it open on my desktop (the real one) while I'm working.The handbook tends to be less task-oriented than other books (of which there are still only a handful) and focuses more on FreeBSD itself than on UNIX in general, but it's an essential reference.I think the editors and contributors did a great job.

Although you can find more than 100% of the information on FreeBSD website and other sources on the internet; still this book is a very good read and explains many things clearly.For me it is priceless bcuz I use it as a desktop reference. Of course I cannot be searching the Net for information on a small command or system call and that's where I consult the book.