Individuals wanting to learn about the Linux operating system have a large selection of books to choose from. There are many thousands of informative Linux books which are in-print and available to download or buy at reasonable cost. However, as many users are attracted to Linux for the very reason that it is available under a freely distributable license, some will also want this to extend to the documentation they read.

The focus of this article is to select some of the finest Linux books which are available to download for free. The vast majority of the books featured here can also be freely distributed to others.

To cater for all tastes, we have chosen a wide range of books, encompassing general introductions to Linux, books that concentrate on a specific distribution or application, books for programmers, as well as books that have defined the evolution of free software. All of the texts here come with our strongest recommendation. So get reading (and downloading).

By Keir Thomas (PDF; 152 pages)

This book is a concise companion for everyday Ubuntu use. It provides a good grounding in getting to grips with the Ubuntu 8.04 and 8.10 distributions.

Topics covered include:

Installing & Configuring Ubuntu

Learning how to use the desktop covering logging in, layout, virtual desktops, and useful applications

Understanding how user accounts and the filesystem work

Getting to grips with the command-line

Software management including an overview of Synaptic, working with repositories, and a basic overview of compiling from source code

Securing the system, including configuring a firewall, antivirus, and how to encrypt file and folders

By Christopher M. Kelty (PDF; 400 pages)

In Two Bits, the author investigates the history and cultural significance of Free Software, revealing the people and practices that have transformed not only software, but also music, film, science, and education.

The book focuses on three different areas:

Geeks, Recursive Publics, Protestant Reformers, Polymaths, and Transhumanists

Describes what Free Software is and where it came from, with five chapters detailing the historical narrative of a particular kind of practice: creating a movement, sharing source code, conceptualizing openness or open systems, writing copyright (and copyleft) licenses, and coordinating collaborations

Modulations

By Future Publishing (PDF; 130 pages)

Here’s a complete guide to using Linux, taking you from beginner level to an intermediate user with ease. This book shows users how to install Linux, navigate around the desktop, use common software, add more programs and fix any problems that may be encountered.

It offers sections on:

The Linux desktop including Compiz desktop effects

OpenOffice.org Writer, Calc, Impress Base

Photo editing

Playing games

Multimedia including using media codecs, media ripping, disc burning, creating disc inlays

Internet: Surfing the web, instant messaging, BitTorrent downloads

Adding software

Software recommendations

Printing documents

Account management

Security

Glossary of technical terms

By Scott Morris (PDF; 162 pages)

The target audience for this book are individuals who are competent with using Windows, who have never attempted to use Linux but are interested in giving it a try. The overall objective is to give people a bridge from what they already know to the powerful, fascinating world of the Linux operating system.

The book explains:

How to get Linux

Learn about the Desktop

How to install applications

The command line

Explains where Linux is similar to Windows

Explains the key differences between these two operating systems

Dispels many myths about Linux

By Karl Fogel (PDF, XML, Single HTML page, Multiple HTML pages; 192 pages)

Producing Open Source Software is a book about the human side of open source development. It describes how successful projects operate, the expectations of users and developers, and the culture of free software.

This book is meant for software developers and managers who are considering starting an open source project, or who have started one and are wondering what to do now.

Topics covered include:

General advice on starting a project: Choose a Good Name, Have a Clear Mission Statement, Make it clear the Project is Free, Scope the Project

Technical Infrastructure such as Mailing Lists, Version Control, Bug tracking, Web site

Social and Political Infrastructure

How to bring funding into a free software environment

The art of good communications

Packaging, Releasing and Daily Development

Managing Volunteers

Licenses, Copyrights and Patents

Next Section: 20 of the Best Free Linux Books – Part 2

This article is divided into four parts:

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

Return to our complete collection of recommended free and open source software including our latest additions.

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