Linux+ Study Guide: Exam: Xk0-001

In my efforts to become a Linux expert, this is about my 12th book on the subject of Linux. My first Linux book was the first edition of this book, and I am getting reacquainted with Linux after a hiatus of about 2 years. (Incidentally, I am an expert on Windows NT/2000 system and network administration and, in addition to my extensive hands-on experience, have probably read at least 5 or 6 dozen books on computer hardware, software, operating systems, system and network administration, etc.) I should note first that I read certification-oriented books primarily to gain knowledge of the subject matter, and not necessarily to pass the associated certification test. My experience is that if I acquire in-depth knowledge AND experience with the subject matter on which I will be tested, passing the exam proves not to be a problem. I have not taken the Linux+ exam, so this review is not about whether this book will help you pass the exam. However, given the apparent thoroughness with which the exam objectives are addressed in this book, I am confident that this book serves the purpose of helping people prepare for the exam. More importantly, however, this book provides the in-depth foundational knowledge necessary to acquiring expertise in Linux. This book may well also be the most technically accurate computer-related book I have ever read. Either the author or his editors (or both) have done an excellent job of ensuring technical accuracy. The book is extremely well-written and clear, considering the subject matter. It is packed with useable and relevant information, including references to additional information where appropriate. In summary, this book provides an excellent foundation for those who are new to Linux (or Unix) and are interested in actually using Linux and becoming knowledgeable about this important alternative to Windows. Thanks, Mr. Smith, for putting your time and effort into this book.

I reviewed the first edition of this book and found a few shortcomings, all of which have been fixed in this edition. The prior edition did not cover some hardware items that I saw on the exam; this edition includes it. The prior edition had installation screen shots from the Mandrake distribution, but Redhat is a far more common distribution in the business environment. This edition uses screenshots from RedHat Fedora. The index in the prior edition was not as thorough as I would have liked. This edition includes the items I looked for but was unable to find in the prior one. Even with the shortcomings in the prior version it was still the best certification study guide that I had reviewed. This edition is an improvement on the best study guide available, making it the new champ.One of the things I like best about Sybex certification books is that they are one of the few publishers who provide both the information needed to pass the exam and the information needed to actually work in the real world. All the most common networking and administrative tasks, troubleshooting, adding packages, adding hardware, and installation are covered in detail including installation methods and problems, security, file services, and troubleshooting. The author does an excellent job of walking the reader through all the various processes step by step and explaining each item in detail. Each chapter ends with a chapter summary, a section on exam essentials that summarizes exam critical items, a summary of commands covered in the chapter, a key terms list, and review questions and answers. The book even includes a CD with a test engine, two exam preparation exams, and flashcards. I've taught Linux at the college level both for certification and for practical application purposes and this is the best book available for the new or only minimally experienced Linux user who is planning to take the certification exam. The "Linux+ Study Guide, Second Edition" is the best exam preparation study guide I have seen on the market to date and a highly recommended read for anyone seeking certification.