This book not only teaches readers how to use the Ubuntu Server Edition operating system (OS), but also contains essential information for system administrators. The book claims to be the official description of the Ubuntu server, since its major commercial sponsor, Canonical Ltd., owns the copyright.

Over the past few years, the Ubuntu Linux Desktop Edition has been a success in terms of ease-of-use and popularity. However, the Ubuntu Server Edition has not attracted as much attention, despite the fact that Ubuntu was initially used as a server OS. This book serves as a reminder that the Server Edition is a powerful and versatile OS that should not be overlooked.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including Ubuntu server installation, basic system administration, package management, automated installs, security, maintenance, troubleshooting, and numerous types of server configurations--Web, mail, file, domain name system (DNS), and open-source secure shell (OpenSSH). Software tools based on command-line interfaces rather than graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are widely used throughout the book, since it is uncommon for a server OS to have a windowing system. The intended audience for this book ranges from beginners to senior system administrators.

Although the book covers a wide range of topics, it does have some deficiencies. For example, some important Linux commands are omitted. Also, the book does not show readers how to add a new user to the newly installed OS. In summary, this book provides essential information on the Ubuntu Server Edition, a versatile and powerful OS. While the book is not perfect, it is a suitable reference for this system.