Best Unix Administration Books of 2025

The UNIX and Linux System Administration Handbook, Fifth Edition, is an essential guide for contemporary system and network administrators. The handbook covers everything from storage management, network design, and administration, to automation, performance analysis, and virtualization. The book is updated for today's Linux distributions and cloud environments, and additionally, it covers new topics such as cloud deployments, Docker, and other containerization solutions. The book's authors are pioneers in the field of UNIX system administration, and their expertise shines through in the handbook's comprehensive coverage of every facet of system administration. This book is a must-have for any serious system or network administrator.

This book is a comprehensive guide to programming with network sockets, implementing Internet protocols, designing IoT devices, and much more with C. It covers core concepts such as hostname resolution with DNS, TCP and UDP, client-server and peer-to-peer models, and HTTP and HTTPS protocols. The author also explores network monitoring and implementing security best practices. The code in this book is compatible with the older C99 version as well as the latest C18 and C++17 standards. The book is well-suited for C programmers seeking to build powerful network applications and write secure and optimized network code.

The Linux Device Drivers, 3rd Edition is an essential guide for programmers who want to learn how to write drivers for a wide range of devices. It provides comprehensive information about supporting computer peripherals under the Linux operating system, developing software for new hardware under Linux, and the basics of Linux operation. The book covers all the significant changes to Version 2.6 of the Linux kernel, which simplifies many activities and contains subtle new features that can make a driver both more efficient and more flexible. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in Linux networking and system administration.

The UNIX and Linux System Administration Handbook, 4th Edition is a comprehensive guide to the care and feeding of UNIX and Linux systems. The book covers a bit of the systems' history but doesn't bloviate. It's just straightforward information delivered in colorful and memorable fashion. The authors present the facts along with seasoned advice and real-world examples. Their perspective on the variations among systems is valuable for anyone who runs a heterogeneous computing facility. This book is an invaluable reference for both new administrators and experienced professionals. It details best practices for every facet of system administration, making it a must-have for anyone who uses UNIX and Linux systems.

TCP/IP Network Administration is an essential guide for network administrators and users of home systems accessing the internet. The book covers everything, from the fundamentals of protocols and routing to advanced routing protocols, network services, troubleshooting, and security. The third edition includes updated information about DNS, OpenSSH, stunnel, gpg, iptables, and access control mechanisms. Furthermore, it covers Linux, Solaris, BSD, and System V TCP/IP implementations. Overall, this book is a must-have for all network administrators and users seeking to exchange information via the internet.

The RHCSA/RHCE Red Hat Linux Certification Study Guide, Seventh Edition is a comprehensive study material for those preparing for the Red Hat Certified System Administrator (RHCSA) and Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE) exams. This updated edition covers the latest Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 and all official exam objectives. It features step-by-step exercises, Exam Watch and On-the-Job sidebars, Two-Minute Drills, end-of-chapter self-tests, and hands-on lab questions. The electronic content includes four complete lab-based practice exams, making it a proven study system for RHCSA and RHCE candidates. This book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to pass the RHCSA/RHCE exams.

The Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux by Sobell Mark G is an extensive and up-to-date reference for working with Ubuntu desktops and servers. This fourth edition has been fully updated for Ubuntu 14.04 (Trusty Tahr), the Long Term Support release, and includes new coverage of installation, security, virtualization, Python programming, and more. The author's clear explanations and updated JumpStarts sections make it easy to set up complex servers in minutes. The book is an excellent resource for Linux professionals and beginners alike.

This Password Book is a convenient and practical way to organize and store all your login details in one place. The book features alphabetically arranged pages with A-Z printed tabs, with each letter having space for 16 password entries. There are also bonus pages in the back to record additional notes. The premium cover design with a matte finish adds an attractive touch to this useful addition for your home and office. One of the best attributes of this book is that it makes it easy to quickly find your login details whenever needed. Overall, this is a great resource for anyone who wants to keep their online information organized and secure.

A Practical Guide to Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux is an all-in-one tutorial and reference for mastering Linux administration and security. The author, Mark Sobell, assumes no prior knowledge and takes the reader through every topic and task in an easy-to-understand manner. The book covers a wide range of Linux-related topics, including command line, GUI tools, Python, systemd, and firewalld. It also includes a brand-new chapter on Virtual Machines and Cloud Computing. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced Linux users.

Trailblazer is a powerful memoir by Mary Ann Horton, who transitioned from male to female while inventing the email attachment and paving the way for transgender rights in the workplace. Horton recounts her search for her true self while navigating the maze of social, medical, and legal rights afforded to the Trans community. She became a powerful force for the acceptance of transgender benefits and rights, first at Lucent Technologies, blazing the trail for corporate America to follow. This book is an important and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in equality and social activism.