% Sources of information list
\chapter{Sources of Linux Information}
\label{app-sources-num}
\label{app-info}
\namedlabel{app-sources}{Sources of Linux Information}

\index{documentation|(}
\index{sources of information|(}

This appendix contains information on various sources of Linux information,
such as online documents, books, and more. Many of these documents are
available either in printed form, or electronically from the Internet or
BBS systems. Many Linux distributions also include much of this documentation
in the distribution itself, so after you have installed Linux these files
may be present on your system.

\section{Online Documents}
\index{documentation!online|(}

These documents should be available on any of the Linux FTP archive sites
(see Appendix~\ref{app-ftplist-num} for a list). If you do not have direct
access to FTP, you may be able to locate these documents on other online
services (such as CompuServe, local BBS's, and so on). If you have access
to Internet mail, you can use the {\tt ftpmail} service to receive these
docucments. See Appendix~\ref{app-ftplist-num} for more information.

In particular, the following documents may be found on {\tt sunsite.unc.edu}
in the directory {\tt /pub/Linux/docs}. Many sites mirror this
directory; however, if you're unable to locate a mirror site near you,
this is a good one to fall back on. 

You can also access Linux files and documentation using {\tt gopher}.
Just point your {\tt gopher} client to port 70 on {\tt sunsite.unc.edu},
and follow the menus to the Linux archive. This is a good way to 
browse Linux documentation interactively. 

\begin{dispitems}

\ditem {{\em The Linux Frequently Asked Questions List}}
\index{Frequently Asked Questions}
\index{documentation!Frequently Asked Questions}
The Linux Frequently Asked Questions list, or ``FAQ'', is a list of 
common questions (and answers!) about Linux. This document is meant to 
provide a general source of information about Linux, common problems and
solutions, and a list of other sources of information. Every new Linux
user should read this document. It is available in a number of formats,
including plain ASCII, PostScript, and Lout typesetter format. The Linux
FAQ is maintained by Ian Jackson, {\tt ijackson@nyx.cs.du.edu}. 

\ditem {{\em The Linux META-FAQ}}
The META-FAQ is a collection of ``metaquestions'' about Linux; that is, 
sources of information about the Linux system, and other general topics.
It is a good starting place for the Internet user wishing to find more
information about the system. It is maintained by Michael K. Johnson,
{\tt johnsonm@sunsite.unc.edu}.

\ditem {{\em The Linux INFO-SHEET}}
The Linux INFO-SHEET is a technical introduction to the Linux system. It
gives an overview of the system's features and available software, and
also provides a list of other sources of Linux information. The format and
content is similar in nature to the META-FAQ; incidentally, it is also
maintained by Michael K. Johnson.

\ditem {{\em The Linux Software Map}}
\index{Linux Software Map}
The Linux Software Map is a list of many applications available for
Linux, where to get them, who maintains them, and so forth. It is far
from complete---to compile a complete list of Linux software would be
nearly impossible. However, it does include many of the most popular
Linux software packages. If you can't find a particular application
to suit your needs, the LSM is a good place to start. It is maintained
by Lars Wirzenius, {\tt lars.wirzenius@helsinki.fi}.

\ditem {{\em The Linux HOWTO Index}}
\index{documentation!HOWTO documents}
\index{HOWTO documents}
The Linux HOWTOs are a collection of ``how to'' documents, each describing
in detail a certain aspect of the Linux system. They are maintained by
Matt Welsh, {\tt mdw@sunsite.unc.edu}. The HOWTO Index lists the HOWTO
documents which are available (several of which are listed below). 

\ditem {{\em The Linux Installation HOWTO}}
The Linux Installation HOWTO describes
how to obtain and install a distribution of Linux, similar to the information
presented in Chapter~\ref{chap-install-num}.

\ditem {{\em The Linux Distribution HOWTO}}
This document is a list of Linux distributions available via mail order and
anonymous FTP. It also includes information on other Linux-related goodies
and services. Appendix~\ref{app-vendor-num} contains a list of Linux
vendors, many of which are listed in the {\em Distribution HOWTO}.

\ditem {{\em The Linux XFree86 HOWTO}}
This document describes how to install and configure the X~Window System
software for Linux. See the section ``\ref{sec-xwindows}'' for more about
the X~Window System.

\ditem {{\em The Linux Mail, News, and UUCP HOWTOs}}
These three HOWTO documents describe configuration and setup of electronic
mail, news, and UUCP communications on a Linux system. Because these
three subjects are often intertwined, you may wish to read all three of
these HOWTOs together.

\ditem {{\em The Linux Hardware HOWTO}}
This HOWTO contains an extensive list of hardware supported by Linux.
While this list is far from complete, it should give you a general picture
of which hardware devices should be supported by the system.

\ditem {{\em The Linux SCSI HOWTO}}
The Linux SCSI HOWTO is a complete guide to configuration and usage of
SCSI devices under Linux, such as hard drives, tape drives and CD-ROM. 

\ditem {{\em The Linux NET-2-HOWTO}}
The Linux NET-2-HOWTO describes installation, setup, and configuration of
the ``NET-2'' TCP/IP software under Linux, including SLIP. If you 
want to use TCP/IP on your Linux system, this document is a must read.

\ditem {{\em The Linux Ethernet HOWTO}}
Closely related to the NET-2-HOWTO, the Ethernet HOWTO describes the various
Ethernet devices supported by Linux, and explains how to configure each of
them for use by the Linux TCP/IP software.

\ditem {{\em The Linux Printing HOWTO}}
This document describes how to configure printing software under Linux, 
such as {\tt lpr}. Configuration of printers and printing software under
UNIX can be very confusing at times; this document sheds some light on the
subject.

\ditem {{\em Other online documents}}
If you browse the {\tt docs} subdirectory of any Linux FTP site, you'll
see many other documents which are not listed here: A slew of FAQ's, 
interesting tidbits, and other important information. This miscellany
is difficult to categorize here; if you don't see what you're looking for
on the list above, just take a look at one of the Linux archive sites
listed in Appendix~\ref{app-ftplist-num}.

\end{dispitems}

\index{documentation!online|)}

\section{Linux Documentation Project Manuals}
\index{documentation!Linux Documentation Project|(}
\index{Linux Documentation Project|(}

The Linux Documentation Project is working on developing a set of manuals
and other documentation for Linux, including man pages. These manuals are
in various stages of development, and any help revising and updating them
is greatly appreciated. If you have questions about the LDP, please contact
Matt Welsh ({\tt mdw@sunsite.unc.edu}). 

These books are available via anonymous FTP from a number of Linux 
archive sites, including {\tt sunsite.unc.edu} in the directory
{\tt /pub/Linux/docs/LDP}. A number of commercial distributors are selling
printed copies of these books; in the future, you may be able to find
the LDP manuals on the shelves of your local bookstore.

\begin{dispitems}

\ditem {{\em Linux Installation and Getting Started}, by Matt Welsh}
A new user's guide for Linux, covering everything the new user needs to
know to get started. You happen to hold this book in your hands.

\ditem {{\em The Linux System Administrators' Guide}, by Lars Wirzenius}
This is a complete guide to running and configuring a Linux system.
There are many issues relating to systems administration which are
specific to Linux, such as needs for supporting a user community, 
filesystem maintenance, backups, and more. This guide covers them all.

\ditem {{\em The Linux Network Administrators' Guide}, by Olaf Kirch}
An extensive and complete guide to networking under Linux, including 
TCP/IP, UUCP, SLIP, and more. This book is a very good read; it contains
a wealth of information on many subjects, clarifying the many confusing
aspects of network configuration. 

\ditem {{\em The Linux Kernel Hackers' Guide}, by Michael Johnson}
The gritty details of kernel hacking and development under Linux. Linux
is unique in that the complete kernel source is available. This book
opens the doors to developers who wish to add or modify features within
the kernel. This guide also contains comprehensive coverage of kernel
concepts and conventions used by Linux.

\end{dispitems}

\index{documentation!Linux Documentation Project|)}
\index{Linux Documentation Project|)}

\section{Books and Other Published Works}
\index{documentation!books|(}
\index{books|(}
\index{reading!suggested|(}
\index{Linux Journal}
{\em Linux Journal\/} is a monthly magazine for and about the Linux
community, written and produced by a number of Linux developers and
enthusiasts. It is distributed worldwide, and is an excellent way to keep
in touch with the dynamics of the Linux world, especially if you don't
have access to USENET news. 

At the time of this writing, subscriptions to {\em Linux Journal\/} are
US\$19/year in the United States, US\$24 in Canada, and US\$29 elsewhere.
To subscribe, or for more information, write to Linux Journal, PO Box~85867,
Seattle, WA, 98145-1867, USA, or call +1 206 527-3385. Their FAX number is
+1 206 527-2806, and e-mail address is {\tt linux@ssc.com}. You can also
find a {\em Linux Journal\/} FAQ and sample articles via anonymous FTP
on {\tt sunsite.unc.edu} in {\tt /pub/Linux/docs/linux-journal}.

As we have said, not many books have been published dealing with Linux
specifically. However, if you are new to the world of UNIX, or want more
information than is presented here, we suggest that you take a look at
the following books which are available. 

\subsection{Using UNIX}

\begin{abib}
{Learning the UNIX Operating System}
{Grace Todino \& John Strang}
{O'Reilly and Associates, 1987}
{0-937175-16-1}
{\$9.00}
{A good introductory book on learning the UNIX operating system. Most
of the information should be applicable to Linux as well. I suggest
reading this book if you're new to UNIX and really want to get started
with using your new system.}
\end{abib}

\begin{abib}
{Learning the {\tt vi} Editor} 
{Linda Lamb} 
{O'Reilly and Associates, 1990} 
{0-937175-67-6}
{\$21.95}
This is a book about the {\tt vi} editor, a powerful text 
editor found on every UNIX system in the world. It's often important to
know and be able to use {\tt vi}, because you won't always have
access to a ``real'' editor such as Emacs.
\end{abib}

\subsection{Systems Administration}

\begin{abib}
{Essential System Administration}
{\AE leen Frisch}
{O'Reilly and Associates, 1991}
{0-937175-80-3}
{\$29.95}
{From the O'Reilly and Associates Catalog, 
``Like any other multi-user system, UNIX requires some care and feeding.
{\em Essential System Administration\/} tells you how. This book strips away
the myth and confusion surrounding this important topic and provides a
compact, manageable introduction to the tasks faced by anyone
responsible for a UNIX system.'' I couldn't have said it better myself.}
\end{abib}

\begin{abib}
{TCP/IP Network Administration}
{Craig Hunt}
{O'Reilly and Associates, 1990}
{0-937175-82-X}
{\$24.95}
{A complete guide to setting up and running a TCP/IP network. While this
book is not Linux-specific, roughly 90\% of it is applicable to Linux.
Coupled with the Linux NET-2-HOWTO and 
{\em Linux Network Administrator's Guide},
this is a great book discussing the concepts and technical details of
managing TCP/IP.}
\end{abib}

\begin{abib}
{Managing UUCP and Usenet}
{Tim O'Reilly and Grace Todino}
{O'Reilly and Associates, 1991}
{0-937175-93-5}
{\$24.95}
This book covers how to install and configure UUCP networking software, 
including configuration for USENET news. If you're at all interested in
using UUCP or accessing USENET news on your system, this book is a must-read.
\end{abib}

\subsection{The X~Window System}

\begin{abib}
{The X Window System: A User's Guide}
{Niall Mansfield}
{Addison-Wesley}
{0-201-51341-2}
{??}
{A complete tutorial and reference guide to using the X~Window System.
If you installed X~windows on your Linux system, and want to know how
to get the most out of it, you should read this book. Unlike some windowing
systems, a lot of the power provided by X is not obvious at first sight.}
\end{abib}

\subsection{Programming}

\begin{abib}
{The C Programming Language}
{Brian Kernighan and Dennis Ritchie}
{Prentice-Hall, 1988}
{0-13-110362-8}
{\$25.00}
{This book is a must-have for anyone wishing to do C programming on
a UNIX system. (Or any system, for that matter.) While this book
is not obstensibly UNIX-specific, it is quite applicable to programming
C under UNIX.}
\end{abib}

\begin{abib}
{The Unix Programming Environment}
{Brian Kernighan and Bob Pike}
{Prentice-Hall, 1984}
{0-13-937681-X}
{??}
{An overview to programming under the UNIX system. Covers all of
the tools of the trade; a good read to get acquainted with the
somewhat amorphous UNIX programming world.}
\end{abib}

\begin{abib}
{Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment}
{W. Richard Stevens}
{Addison-Wesley}
{0-201-56317-7}
{\$50.00}
{This mighty tome contains everything that you need to know to 
program UNIX at the system level---file I/O, process control,
interprocess communication, signals, terminal I/O, the works. 
This book focuses on various UNI standards, including POSIX.1, which
Linux mostly adheres to.}
\end{abib}

\subsection{Kernel Hacking}

\begin{abib}
{The Design of the UNIX Operating System}
{Maurice J. Bach}
{Prentice-Hall, 1986}
{0-13-201799-7}
{??}
{This book covers the algorithms and internals of the UNIX kernel. 
It is not specific to any particular kernel, although it does 
lean towards System V-isms. This is the best place to start if you
want to understand the inner tickings of the Linux system.}
\end{abib}

\begin{abib}
{The Magic Garden Explained}
{Berny Goodheart and James Cox}
{Prentice-Hall, 1994}
{0-13-098138-9}
{??}
{This book describes the System V R4 kernel in detail. Unlike Bach's
book, which concentrates heavily on the algorithms which make the
kernel tick, this book presents the SVR4 implementation on a more
technical level. Although Linux and SVR4 are distant cousins, this
book can give you much insight into the workings of an actual UNIX
kernel implementation. This is also a very modern book on the UNIX
kernel---published in 1994.}
\end{abib}

\index{documentation!books|)}
\index{books|)}
\index{reading!suggested|)}

\index{documentation|)}
\index{sources of information|)}
