Red Hat Linux 7.1 Secrets exists to flatten the learning curve that exists between everyday Linux competence and real expertise. Linux, being the product of thousands of programmers all over the world, is packed with quirks, shortcuts, and hidden efficiencies. Your discovery of them can come as the result of a lot of experimentation, or with the help of people who surveyed the territory before you arrived. That's not to say that this book is all high-level obscurities that most people won't care about. Indeed, a lot of it is taken up with fundamental stuff such as mounting disks and installing RPM files. It's a fine mix for Linux users who flit between Red Hat and other operating systems and need review from time to time, but who also want to work some real magic when they're under Linux.

A typical section deals with how to configure printers for text and graphics work. Naba Barkakati explains how to configure printers, naturally, but also goes into some detail about setting up filters to deal with the "staircase effect" and other problems. The networking chapters go into greater depth on the Domain Name System (DNS) and the functioning of Linux DNS servers than most Linux books, and there's quite a bit of coverage of modifying and recompiling the new kernel in Red Hat 7.1. All told, this one's a fine Red Hat Linux book. --David Wall

Topics covered: Red Hat Linux 7.1 for intermediate and accomplished users of any earlier version of Linux. A copy of Red Hat Linux 7.1 comes with the book on three companion CD-ROMs, and the book deals with installation, networking, administrating, and writing software for the operating system.