Linux In a Nutshell 5th or 6th?

[Infernochaos]

I'm thinking about buying one of these and since I'm a total newbie to the linux world , I can't seem to choose. Which one would you guys recommend for me?

Thank you!

[oz]

Hello and welcome to the forums!

I'd personally always recommend the latest version available because it will contain updates and revisions to the previous version. However, if you can save lots of money on a previous version, that might be a good way to go, too.

[Infernochaos]

Thank you~ Since I only have 25$ , I'm pretty much going with the 5th edition but does the 6th edition have new contents that is important to read or it's just a revision of the 5th?

[oz]

I've not actually read the 6th Edition yet, but they both consist of 944 pages so they are equal there. However, the 6th edition has 4 years of revisions included. You can compare the table of contents for each edition here:

Linux in a Nutshell, Fifth Edition - O'Reilly Media

Linux in a Nutshell, Sixth Edition - O'Reilly Media

The 6th edition has a higher user rating out of the few ratings that have been given, at least on the O'Reilly website, but maybe someone that has both books will chime in with more info for you.

Note too that you can see the Linux commands section out of the 5th edition online, for free:

Linux Command Directory - O'Reilly Media

[theKbStockpiler]

Go to either your local Barnes and Noble or Borders. Browse this book in the store. and discover it is useless or save your receipt and return it later. I can't say enough things that are not complimentary about O'Reilly books. They have no respect for trees at all. I would not recommend their products if they paid you to read them. There are free books and manuals that actually have the intentional purpose of being more than occupying space on your coffee table. If your diner guest actually opens up the book and browses it they will know you are mentally retarded and incapable of using a computer. Save a tree!

[MASONTX]

I haven't used either one of these books, yet, but everyone I've asked has recommended the Linux in a Nutshell very highly.