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The 10 best Linux books to buy in the UK

Picture of a Linux book

Looking for the best Linux books to get you started on the open-source operating system? Then you are in the right place. Every prospective Linux user should consider using a book to help them get started, as the new operating system can be daunting to newcomers. It’s certainly a far cry from the user-friendly Windows, so tackling it blind can be very difficult if you’ve never used a similar operating system before. Check out the buying guide below for how to choose the best Linux book for beginners:

What are Linux books?

A Linux book is any kind of book that discusses the intricacies of the Linux operating system and offers various bits of advice on how best to use the software. Because Linux is such a unique operating system, many people use these kinds of books as a reference for how to use certain aspects of the software, e.g. command lines, file management, and networking features.

Why should you buy a good Linux book?

Although Linux is an open-source software, it’s much less accessible than regular operating systems. For instance, try to run Ubuntu on a laptop with no operating system - it’s no easy task for beginners! By using a good Linux book, you can learn all the important steps, best practices and various software packages that are used by most versions of Linux. This allows you to develop a proper Linux environment and use it according to your requirements, such as developing a Linux platform for a server.

How to choose the right Linux book in 2024?

Another picture of a Linux book

There are dozens of great Linux books out there, but choosing the right one does require some research. Be sure to consider some of the following criteria to ensure you find the right Linux book:

  • Distribution: Linux is available as a standard operating system and in various distributions (the most popular is Ubuntu). Each of these has different instructions and setups, so be sure to choose a book that matches your operating system and the latest version.
  • Skill Level: Linux books are intended for beginners or intermediates, so make sure this lines up with your own ability. There is no reason to buy a textbook for advanced Linux users if you have little to no idea what Linux is or how it works, so be sure to buy a book that offers something suitable to your experience using Linux.
  • Instructions: Different books use different models of instructions. For example, you can buy a book that uses visual instructions to teach you how everything works, showing you the screen and the changes being made. In contrast to books with more written instructions (e.g., written by Linux programmer Linus Torvalds himself), these are usually better-suited for beginners.

What is the best kind of Linux book in the UK?

While there are many popular Linux books, there are just a few core types available. These include:

  • Beginners Linux Book: If you haven’t used Linux before then a good starting resource is a beginner's book. These books are designed to introduce you to the basics of Linux and useful information that will help you use all of the basic features.
  • Server Linux Book: Ideal for those working in the IT industry or others with a good knowledge of core computing features, this type of Linux book explains how to get maximum performance from Linux server software.

Top 10 list of Linux books in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their Linux books. Which Linux book is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of No Starch Press 58040440 Linux book
How Linux Works, 3rd Edition: What Every Superuser Should Know
  • Color: Cream
  • Product type: ABIS BOOK
  • Brand: No Starch Press
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TOP 2
Image of No Starch Press 50448672 Linux book
Linux Basics for Hackers , Getting Started with Networking, Scripting,…
  • Color: Multicolor
  • Product type: ABIS BOOK
  • Brand: No Starch Press
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 3
Image of No Starch Press 54410657 Linux book
The Linux Command Line, 2nd Edition: A Complete Introduction
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TOP 4
Image of Wiley 34997616 Linux book
Linux Bible
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TOP 5
Image of For Dummies 9781119901921 Linux book
Linux All-In-One For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))
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TOP 6
Image of Drip Digital LLC 9781951791834 Linux book
Learn Linux Quickly: A Comprehensive Guide for Getting Up to Speed…
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TOP 7
Image of Independently Published 9781671228085 Linux book
Linux for Beginners: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Learn…
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TOP 8
Image of Independently published  Linux book
Linux Command Line, Cover All Essential Linux Commands, A Reference…
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TOP 9
Image of In Easy Steps Limited  Linux book
Linux in easy steps
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TOP 10
Image of O'Reilly  Linux book
Linux Pocket Guide: Essential Commands
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/12/27.