Acknowledgments

No one learns about the Linux shell in a vacuum, and I have hundreds of writers, working over the last several decades, to thank for educating me about the awesome possibilities provided by the Linux command line. Books, websites, blogs, handouts at LUG meetings: All helped me learn about bash, and they continue to teach me today. If I can give back just a fraction of what I have absorbed, I'll be satisfied.

In addition to that general pool of knowledgeable individuals, I'd like to thank the people (and animals) who gave me help and support during the writing of Linux Phrasebook.

My agent, Laura Lewin, who has been helpful in too many ways for me to recount.

My editors at Pearson, who gave me the opportunity to write this book in the first place and have encouraged me whenever I needed prodding.

Robert Citek provided invaluable help with RPM, and was always there if I had a question. That man knows Linux.

My business partner and lifelong buddy Jans Carton helped me focus when I needed it, and was a (mostly) willing guinea pig for many new commands and options. Looking back at that day in fifth grade when we met, who'da thunk it?

Jerry Bryan looked over everything I wrote and fixed all the little grammatical mistakes and typos I made. I promise, Jerry: One day I'll learn the difference between "may" and "might!"

My wife, Denise Lieberman, patiently listened to me babble excitedly whenever I figured out something cool, even though she had absolutely no idea what I was talking about. That's true love. Thanks, Denise!

Finally, I must point to my cute lil' Shih Tzu Libby, who always knew exactly the right time to put her front paws on my leg and demand ear scratches and belly rubs.