Linux lovers have been keeping the secret rather well that the Debian operating system has a remarkably open development cycle and includes strict quality controls. Debian also favors text-based configurations, and so offers attractions not available in systems concentrating too much on GUI. This reference and guide gives both the theoretical and practical information necessary to succeed in Debian, as well as a glimpse into the workings of the community or people and programs building around it, covering the history of the project, installation, releases and archives, management system, system administration, security, kernel packages and other advanced concepts, creating packages, and documentation. The appendices include the Debian Social Contract and Manifesto.
Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Linux lovers have been keeping the secret rather well that the Debian operating system has a remarkably open development cycle and includes strict quality controls. Debian also favors text-based configurations, and so offers attractions not available in systems concentrating too much on GUI. This reference and guide gives both the theoretical and practical information necessary to succeed in Debian, as well as a glimpse into the workings of the community or people and programs building around it, covering the history of the project, installation, releases and archives, management system, system administration, security, kernel packages and other advanced concepts, creating packages, and documentation. The appendices include the Debian Social Contract and Manifesto. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

The Debian GNU/Linux operating system approaches Linux system administration differently than other popular Linux distributions, favoring text-based configuration mechanisms over graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Debian may appear simplistic and even slightly outdated, but it is actually very robust, scalable, and secure. Debian's open development cycle and strict quality control by the developers help Debian to constantly gain popularity, despite its reputation as an operating system just for professionals and hardcore computer hobbyists.

The Debian System introduces the concepts and techniques of the Debian operating system, explaining their usage and pitfalls, and illustrating the thinking behind each of the approaches. The book's goal is to give the reader enough insight into the workings of the Debian project and operating system so that they will understand the solutions that have evolved as part of the Debian system over the past decade. While targeted at the well-versed UNIX/Linux administrator, the book can also serve as an excellent resource alongside a standard Linux reference to quickly orient the reader to Debian's unique philosophy and structure. Co-published with Open Source Press, an independent publisher based in Munich that specializes in the field of free and open source software.