Best Linux Applications Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 28, 2023

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Linux Applications Books are essential resources for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of Linux operating systems. These books cover a wide range of topics, including programming languages, system administration, and network management. They provide in-depth explanations of Linux applications and how they can be used to improve system performance, security, and reliability. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced Linux user, these books are a valuable tool for advancing your understanding of this powerful operating system. With clear and concise explanations and practical examples, Linux Applications Books are an excellent investment for anyone looking to enhance their Linux skills.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Learning eBPF: Programming the Linux Kernel for Enhanced Observability, Networking, and Security Cover #TOP 1
Learning eBPF: Programming the Linux Kernel for Enhanced Observability, Networking, and Security
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible Cover #TOP 2
Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible
ftb score rating icon 9.7
SELinux System Administration: Implement mandatory access control to secure applications, users, and information flows on Linux, 3rd Edition Cover #TOP 3
SELinux System Administration: Implement mandatory access control to secure applications, users, and information flows on Linux, 3rd Edition
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Linux Applications Books

Learning eBPF: Programming the Linux Kernel for Enhanced Observability, Networking, and Security

Rice, Liz
Apr 11, 2023
Learning eBPF: Programming the Linux Kernel for Enhanced Observability, Networking, and Security Cover
Learning eBPF: Programming the Linux Kernel for Enhanced Observability, Networking, and Security

This book, "Learning eBPF: Programming the Linux Kernel for Enhanced Observability, Networking, and Security," is a comprehensive guide to eBPF technology that allows you to write custom code to dynamically modify kernel behavior. The book is ideal for developers, system administrators, operators, and students who want to learn how to write eBPF programs and use them to build a new generation of security, observability, and networking tools. Author Liz Rice, chief open source officer at Isovalent, provides a solid foundation for exploring eBPF programming. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to take their Linux networking and system administration skills to the next level.

#TOP 2

Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible

Khawaja, Gus
May 14, 2021
Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible Cover
Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible

The Kali Linux Penetration Testing Bible is the ultimate guide for cybersecurity professionals looking to master Kali's library of tools. This comprehensive guide covers everything from the fundamentals of the bash language in Linux to effective techniques for finding vulnerabilities. Readers will also learn about modern web application security and how to automate their penetration testing with Python. Overall, this book is an invaluable resource for both new and established pentesters looking to enhance their skills and stay ahead of the latest cyber threats.

#TOP 3

SELinux System Administration: Implement mandatory access control to secure applications, users, and information flows on Linux, 3rd Edition

Vermeulen, Sven
Dec 4, 2020
SELinux System Administration: Implement mandatory access control to secure applications, users, and information flows on Linux, 3rd Edition Cover
SELinux System Administration: Implement mandatory access control to secure applications, users, and information flows on Linux, 3rd Edition

SELinux System Administration: Implement mandatory access control to secure applications, users, and information flows on Linux, 3rd Edition is a comprehensive guide to enhancing Linux security with SELinux. The book covers basic concepts of SELinux and provides practical examples for tuning and configuring SELinux enforcement to users, applications, platforms, and virtualization solutions. It also includes guidance on developing custom policies to protect any app and service running on your Linux systems. With the help of this book, readers will be able to harden any Linux system using SELinux to suit their needs. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their Linux security skills.

#TOP 4

Hacking for Beginners: A Step by Step Guide to Learn How to Hack Websites, Smartphones, Wireless Networks, Work with Social Engineering, Complete a Penetration Test, and Keep Your Computer Safe

McKinnon, Julian James
Independently published
Nov 27, 2019
Hacking for Beginners: A Step by Step Guide to Learn How to Hack Websites, Smartphones, Wireless Networks, Work with Social Engineering, Complete a Penetration Test, and Keep Your Computer Safe Cover
Hacking for Beginners: A Step by Step Guide to Learn How to Hack Websites, Smartphones, Wireless Networks, Work with Social Engineering, Complete a Penetration Test, and Keep Your Computer Safe

This book, titled "Hacking for Beginners: A Step by Step Guide to Learn How to Hack Websites, Smartphones, Wireless Networks, Work with Social Engineering, Complete a Penetration Test, and Keep Your Computer Safe," is a comprehensive guide for those interested in learning the basics of hacking. It covers various topics including different types of hackers, penetration tests, password cracking, website and wireless network hacking, and much more. The book has been updated with the latest information and includes steps to ensure network security. Overall, the book is a great resource for those looking to start their journey in the world of hacking.

#TOP 5

Embedded Linux Systems with the Yocto Project (Pearson Open Source Software Development Series)

Streif, Rudolf
Pearson
May 2, 2016
Embedded Linux Systems with the Yocto Project (Pearson Open Source Software Development Series) Cover
Embedded Linux Systems with the Yocto Project (Pearson Open Source Software Development Series)

Embedded Linux Systems with the Yocto Project is an essential guide for developers looking to integrate Linux into their embedded systems. The book offers a comprehensive overview of the Yocto Project’s toolbox and addresses advanced topics ranging from board support to compliance management. The author, Rudolf Streif, provides real-life examples to help readers master the development lifecycle and create custom distributions for embedded systems. This book is an indispensable companion to the official documentation and a must-read for anyone looking to make the most of Linux in their embedded systems.

#TOP 6

Adult Coloring Book: Disturbing People of Walmart Edition | Calm the F*ck Down

Spektor, Samantha
Dec 23, 2018
Adult Coloring Book: Disturbing People of Walmart Edition | Calm the F*ck Down Cover
Adult Coloring Book: Disturbing People of Walmart Edition | Calm the F*ck Down

The Adult Coloring Book: Disturbing People of Walmart Edition | Calm the F*ck Down is a hilarious and unique coloring book, perfect for those who enjoy a good laugh. Featuring 21 insane illustrations based on real-life photos found on the internet, this book will have you in stitches. The illustrations are stunning and beautiful, making it even more enjoyable to color them in with your favorite markers and pencils. With blank sheets in between to avoid bleed, this book is perfect for relaxation and stress-free moments. Overall, this book is a great gag gift for friends and family, and is sure to provide hours of laughter and fun.

#TOP 7

Visual Studio Code Distilled: Evolved Code Editing for Windows, macOS, and Linux

Del Sole, Alessandro
Jun 8, 2021
Visual Studio Code Distilled: Evolved Code Editing for Windows, macOS, and Linux Cover
Visual Studio Code Distilled: Evolved Code Editing for Windows, macOS, and Linux

Visual Studio Code Distilled is a comprehensive guide to using Microsoft's open source and cross-platform development tool. The book offers practical guidance on using Visual Studio Code to write and debug code on any platform, for any device, and using any programming language. It covers a range of topics, from the basics to advanced code-editing features, such as source code collaboration with Git. The book is ideal for developers of all backgrounds, including JavaScript, Java, and NodeJS. Overall, Visual Studio Code Distilled is a valuable resource for anyone looking to increase their productivity and coding intelligence.

#TOP 8

Security Strategies in Linux Platforms and Applications

Messier, Ric
Jang, Michael
Nov 9, 2022
Security Strategies in Linux Platforms and Applications Cover
Security Strategies in Linux Platforms and Applications

The third edition of Security Strategies in Linux Platforms and Applications is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn about security on a Linux system. The book covers all the major aspects of security, including risks, threats, vulnerabilities, and how to use the layers of security available to Linux. Written by industry expert Ric Messier, the book is divided into three parts, and includes real-world examples and exercises to help readers understand the concepts. This book is a valuable addition to the Jones & Bartlett Learning Information Systems Security & Assurance Series.

#TOP 9

Mastering Kali Linux for Advanced Penetration Testing: Secure your network with Kali Linux 2019.1 - the ultimate white hat hackers' toolkit, 3rd Edition

Velu, Vijay Kumar
Beggs, Robert
Packt Publishing
Jan 30, 2019
Mastering Kali Linux for Advanced Penetration Testing: Secure your network with Kali Linux 2019.1 - the ultimate white hat hackers' toolkit, 3rd Edition Cover
Mastering Kali Linux for Advanced Penetration Testing: Secure your network with Kali Linux 2019.1 – the ultimate white hat hackers' toolkit, 3rd Edition

This book is a practical guide for testers and security practitioners to test their infrastructure security with Kali Linux, the preferred choice of pentesters and hackers. It takes readers through reconnaissance, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, privilege escalation, and post-exploitation activities used by pentesters. The book covers various topics, including social engineering, attacking wireless networks, web services, and embedded devices. The author also explains how to carry out advanced pentesting in tightly secured environments. Overall, "Mastering Kali Linux for Advanced Penetration Testing" is a must-read for those interested in learning about advanced pentesting techniques and using Kali Linux to build highly secured systems.

#TOP 10

Security Strategies in Linux Platforms and Applications (Jones & Bartlett Learning Information Systems Security & Assurance)

Jang, Michael
Messier, Ric
Jones & Bartlett Learning
Oct 20, 2015
Security Strategies in Linux Platforms and Applications (Jones & Bartlett Learning Information Systems Security & Assurance) Cover
Security Strategies in Linux Platforms and Applications (Jones & Bartlett Learning Information Systems Security & Assurance)

The book "Security Strategies in Linux Platforms and Applications" is a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of security in a Linux system. Divided into three parts, the book covers the risks, threats, and vulnerabilities associated with Linux, the layers of security available to Linux, and the use of open source and proprietary tools for building a layered security strategy. With real-world examples and hands-on activities, this book is an excellent resource for IT security, cybersecurity, and information assurance courses. Overall, it is a must-read for anyone interested in Linux security.

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Editor's Notes

During our linux applications book research, we found 304 linux applications book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,077 customer reviews through our big data system to write the linux applications books list. We found that most customers choose linux applications books with an average price of $30.50.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.