Three weeks on and this goes out by mail rather than on the website. Useless. Hope you enjoy the article and if anyone wants to act on this (almost certainly too late), just let the list know so we don't get too many people claiming to be ALUG's rep.

From: "Jo Denton" jdenton@sybex.co.uk To: uklugs@lug.org.uk Subject: Fw: Sybex books Date: Wed, 15 Nov 2000 16:13:45 -0000

Our world respected and best-selling author Craig Hunt is coming to the UK early Dec (he will be appearing at the linux user conference), and I would really like to see if we could do something exclusively with your members -- a workshop, or talk for example. I know the 6th Dec is now only 3 weeks away, but I'd be happy to design and print leaflets by the end of this week for us to distribute to your members.

Because I'm keen to develop our relationship and work with you in the future, are there any other ways you can utilise Craig's knowledge and skills during his stay? And if you could advise me of when your Developer's conferences are next year that would be a big help so I can budget our involvement.

Best wishes, Jo Denton

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Linux DNS Server Administration (Craig Hunt Linux Library) By Craig Hunt ISBN: 0-7821-2736-3

Interview with Craig Hunt

July 2000

How did you get started in the computer industry?

Twenty-five years ago I took a programming job writing financial applications. Most people would not think writing billing and accounting programs was very exciting, but I loved it. It wasn't the subject matter, because in truth it didn't take me long to move on to other more advanced programming problems. What I loved was the creative act of building a new program. As I moved from programmer to system programmer to network designer and finally to chief of a network research organization, I never lost my love for the creativity that underlies all of computing.

How did you get started working with Linux?

For many years my professional career has been focused on Unix. The PC I had at home was little more than a terminal I used to login to the Unix system located in my office. I wanted to have Unix at home on my PC. I started by putting a free version of BSD Unix on my PC. However, I quickly discovered that Linux could support more types of hardware and that it had a larger, more vibrant community of supports. I switched my home system to Linux and soon replaced my office system with a Linux system.

What has kept you working with Linux?

The creativity that I love about computing is a palpable presence in the Linux community. Linux is built by a worldwide group of creative people who contribute to the development effort for the sheer joy of creating something worthwhile. Every time a new version of Linux is released I'm surprised by the quality of the software included with the system. Linux gives me everything I want in an operating system. Until something better comes along, I intend to stick with it.

What does Linux offer that other operating systems do not?

Linux offers many things. Here's just a few:

Linux offers the same proven network services as Unix. Whether you build a Domain Name Server, an e-mail server or a Web server with Linux, you will be using the most widely used and tested server software on the Internet.

Linux offers PC hardware compatibility that is comparable to the hardware support offered by Windows NT. PC hardware device drivers are generally available for Linux before they are available for Unix

Linux is Open Source Software, which means you get the source code for the entire operating system. Because the source code is available to everyone, third party support for Linux is excellent. Third party support personnel can know as much about the Linux system as any Linux developer. Also, Linux does not have the "registry barrier" you find in Windows NT. All configuration files are human readable text that lends itself to automation.

Linux is available free of charge. It is possible to use Linux in non- profit organizations where the cost of software is a significant barrier.

Linux is extremely reliable. A system crash is unheard of. Also it is highly available. Installing application software upgrades does not require a system restart.

How do you think Linux will evolve?

Right now commercial customers primarily view Linux as a platform for network services. That will change as more college students who are familiar with Unix and Linux enter the workplace and choose Linux as a desktop. In addition to these new Linux-savvy customers, Linux vendors, particularly Caldera and Corel, are working to make a desktop Linux that appeals to a mass audience. Linux is also moving into embedded applications and dedicated systems. I think Linux will play a big role in the upcoming surge of Internet information appliances.

What resources do you use to keep abreast of new Linux topics? (sites, journals, etc.)

I read the Linux Journal, which is my favorite Linux magazine. I also visit the abundance of good Linux Web sites. Starting at www.linuxworld.com is a good idea because it has links to a very large number of other sites including www.linux.com, www.linux.org, slashdot.org, www.freshmeat.net, lwn.net and www.li.org, all of which I use.

What other topics do you write about?

I have written books about Unix and about Windows NT. All of my books are intended for system administrators and all of them focus on networking servers. My book TCP/IP Network Administration, O'Reilly, 1998, is a good example.

How did you get started as a computer book writer?

Ten years ago I was teaching a short course on TCP/IP networking at a local college. I accepted an invitation to speak on the same subject at a Usenix conference. An editor from O'Reilly & Associates attended my talk and asked if I would be interested in writing a book on the subject. Since I couldn't find a decent book for my college course and I had already written a 250- page course workbook on the topic, I accepted the offer. Little did I know how much more difficult it would be to write a real book than it was to write a course workbook!

Is writing a full-time job for you? If not, what's your "real" job?

Writing has just become my full-time job, at least for the next year or so. I recently left my full-time job to dedicate myself to creating high quality technical books about Linux. Over the next year, I will be working with other authors to create a comprehensive line of books for Linux system administrators. Linux DNS Server Administration is the first book in this line, which is called the Craig Hunt Linux Library.

Until October 1999, my real job was network research at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. I came to the research side of NIST from the operational side where I was a system and network administrator and the head of the network engineering group.

What do you think makes a good computer book?

In my field, system and network administration, a good book needs to respect the knowledge and skill of the reader. These readers are not amateurs. They are computer professionals. Perhaps the specific topic is new to them, but not the subject of computers. The writer must assume the role of a mentor in a particular field who is explaining that field to a respected colleague. A good book explains why things are done and how the underlying system works. It doesn't waste time explaining simple tasks that the professional reader can grasp without any explanation. A good book has more content in 600 pages than a poorly written book has in 1000 pages.

In your opinion, how does the Craig Hunt Linux Library series differ from other books on the same technologies?

The books in the Craig Hunt Linux Library differ from other books about DNS, Samba, sendmail and the other technologies by maintaining a consistent format and focus. The focus is clear. It is on Linux and Linux alone. This gives the Linux system administrator more accurate information than they would get from a book that tries to cover every variety of Unix. It also creates a "cleaner", well-organized book that does a better job of telling the story of the underlying technology.

The consistent format across the line of books helps the system administrator know what information is contained in each book and where to find it. This is a great benefit for Linux administrators because, at present, no comprehensive line of Linux references exists that has a consistent design and consistent goals. When Linux was a hobbyist operating system this didn't matter. Now that professional administrators use it for mission critical applications, it needs proper documentation.

What did you find to be the most challenging aspect of writing Linux DNS Server Administration?

The most challenging part of writing Linux DNS Server Administration was developing the logical structure of the book. DNS is a complex subject that can be made even more complex by a book that lacks a logical flow. Linux DNS Server Administration has a logical structure that takes the reader from an understanding of the underlying protocols and architecture to mastery of advanced server configurations. Once the structure was developed, the text flowed logically from that structure.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

While writing Linux DNS Server Administration I had no spare time! But when the pace is not as hectic I love to travel and enjoy the outdoors, splitting time between the mountains and the sea. When I'm at home I love to listen to music, which is something I can do when I'm writing.

If money weren't an issue, what job would you like to have?

An author; I love to write. It has the same creative energy that first drew me to programming. And I like to think I'm good at it.

What are your thoughts about the computer industry and where it's heading?

The days of monolithic, "one-size-fits-all" solutions are fading. I love the general-purpose computer system that does anything I want it to. But for others, this type of system is too complex and many of its features are unnecessary. Many people would prefer a network appliance that performs a single dedicated function: a device that you simply turn on and it works. These appliances may be the next growth area for the computer industry.

=========================== PRESS RELEASE

London, August 30, 2000--- Sybex, International announces the release of Linux DNS Server Administration, by Craig Hunt, the first book in the new Craig Hunt Linux Library. Designed to provide seasoned Linux administrators with the most complete, advanced DNS information available, the book provides step-by-step techniques, and clear examples to illustrate both standard and complex Linux skills. Linux DNS Server Administration can be found at online and retail stores for £29.99.

The author, Craig Hunt, is a noted TCP/IP and Linux expert who lectures regularly on topics at the Networld+ Interop, ComNet and other networking trade shows. He is known for his thorough understanding of the Linux kernel and his outstanding ability to communicate it to an audience. Other books include Linux Network Servers 24seven and the upcoming Linux Apache Web Server Administration also from the Craig Hunt Linux Library. (TCP/IP Network Administration from O'Reilly & Associates)

The Craig Hunt Linux Library is an eight-book set that provides in-depth, advanced coverage of the key topics for Linux administrators. Craig has identified the key elements of the Linux Operating system that require extensive knowledge to master and turned them into references that show administrators how to configure, maintain and troubleshoot their own Linux networking environments. Other books in the new series include

Linux Apache Web Server Administration, -- available October 2000

Linux System Administration, -- available November 2000

Linux Samba Server Administration, -- available November 2000

Linux Sendmail Administration -- available February 2001

Linux NFS and Automounter Administration -- available March 2001

For more information, contact Jo Denton, Marketing Manager at Sybex on 020 7604 3769 or email jdenton@sybex.co.uk