The Debian system: concepts and techniques

Martin F. Krafft9781593270698, 1-59327-069-0

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 Debian may appear simplistic and even slightly outdated, but it is actually very robust, scalable, and secure.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.

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Table of contents :
The Debian system : concepts and techniques……Page 1
Table of Contents……Page 7
1. Introduction……Page 17
2. The Debian project in a nutshell……Page 29
3. Installing Debian the right way……Page 67
4. Debian releases and archives……Page 103
5. The Debian package management system……Page 125
6. Debian system administration……Page 271
7. Security of the Debian system……Page 357
8. Advanced concepts……Page 381
9. Creating Debian packages……Page 431
10. Documentation and resources……Page 513
Appendix……Page 559
Index……Page 599