First off, you can find the book here.
I was asked if I’d be interested in proof reading/reviewing (I don’t really know what else to call it) this book back in the middle of September. After a few confused questions on my part, I agreed. So a few weeks after I received the first of several chapters to proof read and comment on, which I enjoyed doing, partly as it gave me something to do, and partly because I’d never done anything like it before, so it was a new experience.
I actually learnt quite a bit in the process as well, for example the first chapter I received was on LDAP, which…I’d never used or looked into before. So I did a little research into basically what it was, and what it’s purpose was, and then read the chapter on setting it up. Luckily we touched on the topic on my University course too, so I had a heads up on that one!
I really enjoyed reviewing this book, and I’ll definitely be using it as a reference (I got my copy the other day!), and possibly reading the apache/ssh server sections to see if there’s any tips on securing them, or any simple tweaks to improve them. I know a couple of other Ubuntu Forum Staff got asked to review it as well, as their names appear just in front of mine in the “Thanks” section at the front of the book.
So once again, I’d like to thank everybody I had contact with at Pearson publishing, both for giving me the opportunity to do this, and for putting up with me in the process (I’m sure I asked some stupid questions at some point, so it’s best to apologize just in case
). Hopefully I’ll get asked next time too!


#1 by matthew on January 18th, 2009
Congratulations. Sobell’s earlier editions were wonderful books. It would be a privilege to be connected to it. Good job!
#2 by matthew on January 18th, 2009
I meant previous edition, singular. The comments remain the same, though. He did a great job on the first edition, so I would expect the same on the updated edition.
#3 by Joeb454 on January 18th, 2009
Thanks Matthew
Note: I’m far too lazy to try and edit your replies so that only 1 is needed, so I just chose to approve both of them
#4 by Jacob Peddicord on January 18th, 2009
Why not take a picture of the page with your name on it? There’s some bragging rights.
#5 by ioconnor on January 18th, 2009
Will the author update Amazon so we can see the table of contents and possibly some interesting chapters inside the book?
Does it discuss how to put apps into repositories? I’d like to find a book that covers the development issues for programmers.
#6 by Joeb454 on January 18th, 2009
I’m not sure if there’s going to be a amazon update or not. And as far as I’m aware, looking at the table of contents, it doesn’t cover development. Though I know there’s likely to be plenty of details on the Ubuntu wiki on how to get into the development process, and the forums are likely to have a lot of people willing to explain how to do it too
#7 by drubin on January 19th, 2009
LOL I had to use compiz to zoom in on that pic to see your name
Very cool though!!