Introduction

With the explosion of home broadband connections to the Internet and the growing popularity of open-source software, Unix has become more common and popular among enthusiasts and people running home networks. Whether you're interested in a Unix operating system to run a home Web or file server, or you're considering using it at work, you're jumping in at a great time.

It used to be that only bearded, sandal-wearing gurus and computer-obsessed hermits knew anything about Unix, since it ran on expensive proprietary hardware and had a reputation for being inaccessible. But now anyone can run it on a desktop or laptop computer. And thanks to projects like Linux and FreeBSD, you won't have to pay a cent to give it a try.

By now you've been introduced to Unix as a user, possibly through the Unix: Visual QuickStart Guide, by Deborah S. Ray and Eric J. Ray, also published by Peachpit Press. The book you're holding now takes you to the next level, and it gets you up to speed on running things like Web, email, and database servers.

The Internet itself and all the major services it offers (such as email and the World Wide Web) were invented on Unix machines. Many other operating systems (such as Microsoft Windows XP) make use of Unix code to provide networking support. With the growth of home broadband and IT services at small companies, more people are interested in running Unix and in having their own servers.