8 Essential CentOS Books for Beginners Ready to Learn

Unlike most Linux guides that jump straight into complex commands, Neil Smyth’s experience as a seasoned Linux system administrator shines through in this book’s methodical approach to CentOS 8. You’ll learn everything from installing the OS to configuring essential services like email and web servers, plus more advanced topics like virtualization and logical volume management. Chapters on dual boot setups and security configurations, including firewalls and user management, make it a solid resource for beginners aiming to build a solid foundation. If you’re new to CentOS or want to deepen your practical skills with clear explanations, this book matches that need well.

Andrew Mallett is a renowned Linux expert whose extensive experience in system administration clearly informs this book. What started as a desire to make CentOS approachable for newcomers became a guide that demystifies complex topics like openLDAP directory services and Puppet configuration management. You’ll gain practical skills such as managing software with YUM, understanding boot processes with GRUB, and navigating the filesystem with tools like ls and stat. This book suits beginners eager to build a solid foundation in CentOS administration as well as intermediate users looking to deepen their grasp of enterprise-level system management.

This tailored book explores a step-by-step journey into CentOS mastery designed specifically for absolute beginners. It covers foundational concepts and progresses through essential skills, ensuring you build confidence without feeling overwhelmed. With its personalized pacing and focused content, it matches your background and addresses your specific goals, offering a learning experience that feels approachable and clear. You dive into system installation, command-line basics, user management, and network configuration with clarity and precision. The book reveals practical techniques and key administrative tasks in an accessible manner, fostering competence gradually. By focusing on your interests and comfort level, this personalized guide supports a smooth transition from novice to capable CentOS administrator, making your learning path both effective and engaging.

Drawing from his experience with Linux distributions, Mr Nathan James Neil crafted this beginner-friendly guide to CentOS, focusing on practical skills that get you hands-on quickly. You learn foundational tasks like installing CentOS on a VPS or virtual machine, navigating the command line, managing users, and setting up essential services like the LAMP stack and WordPress. The book’s straightforward approach helps you build confidence managing CentOS servers, making it ideal if you want a gentle, non-intimidating introduction to Linux system administration. While it’s not for advanced users, it equips you with the core knowledge to start managing CentOS environments effectively.

Drawing from decades of Linux expertise, Christopher Negus and Timothy Boronczyk crafted this guide to remove the intimidation factor surrounding CentOS for newcomers. You’ll learn everything from installing and configuring CentOS to navigating both GNOME and KDE desktops, along with mastering command-line tools, file systems, and printer setups like CUPS and Samba. The book dives into automating system tasks, securing your setup, and even multimedia applications, making it a solid foundation if you want to get comfortable with CentOS without getting overwhelmed. It’s especially useful if you’re new to Linux but eager to build practical skills that go beyond basics.

What started as a focused need to manage network devices on CentOS 7.x turned into a detailed manual for mastering Net-SNMP configuration. Venessa Passeri guides you through essential techniques like adding encryption, customizing SNMP views, and extending monitoring with scripts, all centered on version 3's security features. You’ll gain hands-on skills to enhance network monitoring setups without getting bogged down by unnecessary complexity. This book suits system administrators and DevOps professionals new to SNMP on CentOS who want a clear and practical introduction rather than theoretical overload.

This tailored book explores CentOS network setup and troubleshooting with a focus on your unique background and goals. It offers a gradual introduction, helping you build confidence through a personalized pace that suits your current skills. The content carefully addresses foundational topics, removing overwhelm by concentrating on the essentials you need to grasp first. As you progress, it examines core network services and common issues, providing clear, accessible explanations that match your interests. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with relevant concepts, making complex network management approachable and empowering your learning journey in CentOS environments.

Antonio Vazquez draws on over a decade of hands-on Linux experience to guide you through setting up essential CentOS network services like DNS, DHCP, and LDAP. This book breaks down complex tasks into manageable chapters, making it approachable even if you're new to Linux administration. You’ll learn not just installation but also troubleshooting and remote management, which are critical for maintaining a live network. Vazquez’s practical examples, such as configuring web and mail servers, give you the tools to run your own network confidently. It’s ideal if you want a clear, methodical introduction without being overwhelmed by jargon or unnecessary detail.

Jonathan Hobson is a seasoned Linux Server Administrator whose deep expertise in RHEL and CentOS 6 shines through in this guide. This book removes the usual barriers newcomers face by breaking down installation, configuration, and administration of CentOS 6 into approachable, well-structured recipes. You’ll learn how to set up various server roles—web, mail, database, domain, and file sharing—with clear instructions on managing time settings, network configurations, package management with Yum, and security practices like firewall setup. If you’re starting out or looking to solidify your foundational skills in managing CentOS 6, this practical guide equips you with direct, hands-on knowledge without overwhelming jargon or unnecessary complexity.

Unlike most CentOS guides that assume prior Linux experience, Neil Smyth’s book starts with the fundamentals, making it approachable for newcomers. You’ll learn not only how to install CentOS Stream 9 but also how to manage everyday tasks like configuring email and web servers, setting up firewalls, and handling user administration with clear explanations. The book balances beginner-friendly topics—like dual booting with Windows and GNOME basics—with more advanced subjects such as virtualization and logical volume management, allowing you to grow your skills progressively. If you’re starting your CentOS journey or looking to deepen your administrative capabilities, this book provides a solid, practical foundation without overwhelming jargon.