How Linux Works, 3rd Edition
How Linux Works, 3rd Edition is Brian Ward’s guide to Linux internals, from system startup and kernel processes to networking and shell scripts. Its coverage also includes LVM, journald, IPv6, virtualization, containers, and cgroups, making it a reference for readers who want to understand how Linux systems operate beneath the surface.
At a glance
- Explains Linux startup, including boot loaders and init with systemd.
- Covers kernel management of devices, drivers, and processes, plus system calls, input and output, and filesystem maintenance.
- Includes networking topics such as interfaces, firewalls, servers, and IPv6.
- Adds coverage of LVM, journald, virtualization, containers, and cgroups.
- Also addresses development tools, shared libraries, and effective shell scripting.
Reference price: $59.99
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Broadly connects Linux internals with practical system tasks, so readers can relate concepts such as processes, filesystems, and networking.
- The third edition specifically adds or expands coverage of LVM, journald, IPv6, virtualization, containers, cgroups, and systemd.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Edition | 3rd |
|---|---|
| Publisher | No Starch Press |
| Publication date | April 19, 2021 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 464 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1718500408 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1718500402 |
| Weight listed | 1.89 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 7.01 x 1.06 x 9.25 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Linux users who want to understand system internals beyond commands and routine administration.
- Readers studying boot processes, kernels, networking, shell scripting, or systemd-based installations.
- Administrators and technically curious users seeking one book spanning core Linux concepts and newer edition topics.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking only a quick command reference or a narrowly focused guide to one Linux task.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
84% 84% - 4 stars
11% 11% - 3 stars
2% 2% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
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Customer feedback describes the book as informative and well written, with detailed explanations that some readers say make complicated topics easier to follow. That is relevant to its broad coverage of Linux internals, although the positive feedback does not establish that every topic suits every reader or experience level.
Positive themes
- Customers highlight informative content and detailed explanations.
- Feedback also praises the writing and ability to break down complicated topics.
Frequently asked questions
What topics does How Linux Works, 3rd Edition cover?
The listing describes coverage of Linux booting, the kernel, devices, processes, networking, development tools, shared libraries, shell scripts, and filesystem tasks. It also lists LVM, journald, IPv6, virtualization, containers, and cgroups.
Is this edition suitable for learning Linux internals?
The book is presented as an explanation of how Linux works beneath the surface, including system startup, kernel functions, and user-space tasks. It is aimed at readers who want more than a command-only reference.
How long is the listed edition?
The listing gives a print length of 464 pages.
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