8 Best-Selling CentOS Books Millions Love
Explore CentOS books endorsed by experts Christopher Negus, Peter Membrey, and Andrew Mallett, trusted guides in Linux and system administration.
There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in the technical world of CentOS. This Linux distribution remains a cornerstone for countless enterprises, thanks to its stability and cost-effectiveness. Whether you're managing servers or automating tasks, CentOS's practical value is reflected in the enduring popularity of certain books that many system administrators swear by.
Experts like Christopher Negus, whose deep Unix development background informs his comprehensive Fedora Linux Toolbox, and Peter Membrey, a Chartered IT Professional with decades of experience, have shaped authoritative guides that have helped professionals worldwide. Meanwhile, Andrew Mallett's focus on practical system administration essentials has made his book a favorite among those looking to deepen their CentOS expertise.
While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific CentOS needs might consider creating a personalized CentOS book that combines these validated approaches, blending expert knowledge with your unique learning goals.
by Andrew Mallett··You?
by Andrew Mallett··You?
Unlike most CentOS books that focus narrowly on basic commands, Andrew Mallett draws from his extensive experience as a Linux expert to offer a broader view of system administration essentials. You’ll gain practical skills in managing user accounts with openLDAP, automating configuration through Puppet, and understanding key system components like MBR and GRUB boot loaders. Chapters on the filesystem structure and service management provide a solid foundation for handling enterprise-grade CentOS environments. If you aim to differentiate yourself with deeper knowledge beyond entry-level Linux tasks, this book offers a clear path forward without overwhelming jargon.
by Peter Membrey, Tim Verhoeven, Ralph Angenendt··You?
by Peter Membrey, Tim Verhoeven, Ralph Angenendt··You?
What makes this book both expert-recommended and reader-beloved is its focus on CentOS as a robust, cost-effective Linux distribution for real-world enterprise use. Authored by Peter Membrey and colleagues, seasoned professionals with deep expertise in IT and information security, it offers you hands-on tutorials and practical examples drawn from production environments. You’ll find detailed guidance on tasks typical in small to medium enterprises, from installation nuances to system administration tips, all grounded in the realities of CentOS deployment. This book suits system administrators and IT professionals who want a reliable, no-frills resource dedicated entirely to mastering CentOS without the overhead of commercial alternatives.
by TailoredRead AI·
This tailored book explores essential CentOS command-line techniques designed to enhance your daily system management skills. It covers foundational commands and advanced utilities, revealing how to navigate, configure, and troubleshoot CentOS with confidence. The personalized content matches your background and interests, focusing on the commands and tools most relevant to your goals. By combining widely validated knowledge with your specific needs, the book offers a unique learning experience that deepens your understanding and streamlines your command-line workflow. Whether new to CentOS or seeking to refine your expertise, this book provides a focused path to command mastery that aligns precisely with your objectives.
by Mitja Resman··You?
Mitja Resman is a system engineer with extensive experience in high availability solutions, which clearly informs this detailed exploration of clustering on CentOS Linux. You’ll learn how to install and configure cluster stacks on both CentOS 6 and 7, including managing resources, services, and failover mechanisms like fencing and STONITH. The book breaks down complex cluster management tasks into manageable steps, offering practical insight into maintaining multi-node environments with stability and performance. If you’re comfortable with CentOS basics and want to deepen your skills in building reliable, high availability systems, this guide delivers a focused and technical roadmap without unnecessary fluff.
by Christopher Negus, Timothy Boronczyk··You?
by Christopher Negus, Timothy Boronczyk··You?
When Christopher Negus first realized the growing importance of CentOS as a reliable Linux distribution, he teamed up with Timothy Boronczyk to create this extensive guide. You’ll gain practical skills for installing and configuring CentOS, managing both GNOME and KDE desktop environments, and mastering command-line tools like the shell and text editors. The book also dives into configuring printers with CUPS, sharing files via Samba, and automating system tasks, making it useful whether you’re new to Linux or looking to deepen your expertise. If you want a thorough understanding of CentOS’s ecosystem that balances GUI and command-line approaches, this book fits the bill, though it’s best suited for readers ready to invest time in a detailed manual.
by Chivas Sicam, Ryan Baclit, Peter Membrey, John Newbigin··You?
by Chivas Sicam, Ryan Baclit, Peter Membrey, John Newbigin··You?
Drawing from his extensive experience as an IT instructor and system administrator, Chivas Sicam co-authors this guide to help you master CentOS Linux within the Red Hat ecosystem without the cost of expensive licenses. You'll explore setting up secure, high-performance web services and gain preparation for the Red Hat Certified Engineer exam, all through practical, hands-on chapters that treat CentOS and Fedora as viable alternatives to Red Hat Enterprise Linux. The book suits system administrators and IT professionals aiming to maintain networks cost-effectively while building skills recognized in enterprise environments. If you're looking for a deep dive into CentOS's capabilities alongside Fedora and RHEL parallels, this book delivers without unnecessary jargon or assumptions.
by TailoredRead AI·
This tailored CentOS guide explores step-by-step installation and configuration processes, focusing on your unique background and goals. It reveals essential techniques to set up your server efficiently, covering everything from initial installation to fine-tuning system settings. The book blends widely appreciated knowledge with your specific interests, providing a personalized journey through CentOS server preparation. By focusing on your particular needs, it ensures you gain practical skills and confidence in managing CentOS environments, addressing the challenges and objectives you’ve identified. This personalized approach helps you build a robust CentOS foundation while keeping the learning experience engaging and relevant.
by Oliver Pelz, Jonathan Hobson··You?
by Oliver Pelz, Jonathan Hobson··You?
When Oliver Pelz first realized the intricacies involved in managing CentOS 7 servers, he crafted this book to bridge the gap between theory and hands-on practice. You’ll learn concrete skills like installing and configuring CentOS 7, managing services and software packages, and securing your server with SELinux. Chapters also guide you through advanced setups such as building DNS servers, deploying Docker containers, and monitoring infrastructure with Nagios. This book benefits system administrators and Linux enthusiasts who want a grounded, practical approach to mastering CentOS 7 without getting lost in overly technical jargon.
by Mohamed Alibi, Bhaskarjyoti Roy··You?
by Mohamed Alibi, Bhaskarjyoti Roy··You?
Mohamed Alibi and Bhaskarjyoti Roy approach CentOS 7 not just as another Linux distribution but as a platform demanding sustainable server management. Their book methodically guides you through setting up a fully functional CentOS 7 server, covering everything from user and group management to firewall security and virtualization. You’ll gain hands-on familiarity with configuring essential services, monitoring system health, and exploring cloud computing on single-node systems. Ideal for those with an intermediate Linux administration background, it equips you to confidently navigate the latest shifts from CentOS 6 to 7 without getting overwhelmed by fragmented tools.
by Christopher Negus, Francois Caen··You?
by Christopher Negus, Francois Caen··You?
Christopher Negus's decades of experience with Unix and Linux development shape this extensive command reference, aimed at empowering you to master Fedora, CentOS, and Red Hat through practical command-line work. The book walks you through over 1,000 commands, covering software management, system monitoring, and network access with clear examples, such as how to monitor system health or configure network resources efficiently. If you manage Linux desktops or servers, this guide offers the precise tools and explanations you need to deepen your command-line proficiency without fluff. However, it’s most suited for users ready to engage directly with Linux terminals rather than casual readers.
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Conclusion
These eight CentOS books collectively emphasize practical, proven frameworks that have stood the test of time in enterprise and system administration environments. They offer a range of perspectives—from fundamental system setup to advanced cluster management—giving you validated approaches to build or refine your skill set.
If you prefer proven methods, start with "Centos System Administration Essentials" for a practical foundation. For validated approaches in high availability, pair "CentOS High Availability" with "Mastering Centos 7 Linux Server". And if you want a deep dive into command-line techniques, "Fedora Linux Toolbox" provides extensive, battle-tested commands.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized CentOS book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in mastering CentOS with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which CentOS book should I start with?
Starting with "Centos System Administration Essentials" is a great choice. It offers practical guidance for managing CentOS systems without overwhelming jargon, making it ideal for building a solid foundation.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to CentOS?
Not at all. Books like "CentOS Bible" and "Foundations of CentOS Linux" provide thorough introductions suitable for beginners while still offering depth for growth.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with foundational texts such as "CentOS Bible" or "Foundations of CentOS Linux," then progress to specialized ones like "CentOS High Availability" or "Mastering Centos 7 Linux Server" as you gain confidence.
Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?
You can pick based on your focus area. For example, if clustering interests you, "CentOS High Availability" suffices. For broader admin skills, combining a couple like "CentOS Bible" and "Centos System Administration Essentials" works well.
Are any of these books outdated given how fast CentOS changes?
While some books cover earlier versions, their core principles remain valuable. For example, "Fedora Linux Toolbox" covers commands relevant across Fedora, CentOS, and Red Hat, ensuring lasting utility.
Can personalized CentOS books complement these expert guides?
Yes! While these expert books cover proven methods, a personalized CentOS book blends those approaches with your unique needs and goals. Check out creating your custom CentOS book for tailored learning.
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