Many Linux-based operating systems are used today. Called distributions, these different flavors of Linux include Red Hat, SUSE, Debian, and Ubuntu. Ubuntu’s popularity is growing among users of non-Microsoft operating systems, and it is widely acclaimed as being easy to install and use. While there are quite a few books about Ubuntu available, this is one of the few that addresses the Ubuntu Server variant in detail.

The Ubuntu Server is simply the Ubuntu operating system kernel, packaged with a collection of tools and utilities needed to deliver file, print, and other services to networked workstations. In other words, it is an open-source alternative to commercial file and print servers such as Microsoft’s Windows Server 2008.

The book’s 12 chapters are organized around a server administrator’s daily needs. Chapter 1 starts by guiding the reader through installation and configuration of Ubuntu Server software. Chapter 2 provides an introduction to the command line through which most of the low-level administration tasks are performed, and chapter 3 covers the common tasks of server administration, including managing disk storage and Linux packages. The coverage of Linux packages will be particularly useful to those without prior Linux experience. Chapter 3 also goes into a good level of detail on system logging and server backup. Chapter 4 covers managing and organizing the server file system, including making the file system available to networked users. Chapter 5 covers the management of user accounts and user groups, as well as security in general. The aspects of security covered in the chapter are not limited to file system security and user management, but include the configuration and use of network firewall and security tools on the server. Chapter 6 covers the fine tuning of the server and the management and scheduling of server processes. Chapter 7 provides an introduction to shell scripting, which is necessary to automate many of the processes for routine server management.

Chapters 1 through 7 address the configuration and operation of the server. From chapter 8 onwards, focus shifts to the provision of services by the server to networked workstations. Chapter 8 discusses configuring and troubleshooting the server’s network connection, and chapter 9 discusses the Ubuntu Server’s provision of network services--namely, domain name services (DNS), dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP), and network time protocol (NTP). Chapter 10 covers the setup and management of file sharing and print services on Ubuntu Server, and chapter 11 covers the use of Ubuntu Server to run the Apache Web server. Chapter 11 also covers running MySQL and file transfer protocol (FTP) on Ubuntu: the use of all three (Apache, MySQL, and FTP) is a common server configuration. Chapter 12 finishes the book, with a brief discussion on the use of Ubuntu server to support virtualization; three virtualization solutions are discussed: VMWare, Xen, and Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM).

The book targets readers with some existing knowledge of server administration, although not necessarily Ubuntu Server. Essentially, it is quite a good systems administration handbook for anyone wishing to embark on the provision of network services using Ubuntu. The book has a comprehensive index and a thorough table of contents, making it easy to reference particular facets of server management. One disappointing aspect of the book is the poor quality of some of the illustrations. While all are relevant, many are quite dark and have low contrast. Notwithstanding the occasional poor illustration, the book would be a useful addition to the technical bookshelf of any Linux server administrator.