| “...In a future that includes competition from open source, we can expect that the eventual destiny of any software technology will be to either die or become part of the open infrastructure itself.” Eric S. Raymond, The Cathedral and the Bazaar
As Eric S. Raymond reminds us, Open Source Software will continue to shape the dynamics of the computer software industry for the next long while, just as it has done for the last decade. Created and perpetuated by hackers, Open Source Software refers to software in which the source code is freely available to anyone who wishes to improve it (usually through collaboration). And, of course, at the heart of Open Source Software lies Linux—an operating system whose rapid growth has shocked the world by demonstrating the nature and power of the Open Source model.
However, as Linux continues to grow, so must the number of Linux-educated users, administrators, developers, and advocates. Thus, we find ourselves in a time when Linux education is of great importance to the Information Technology industry. Key to demonstrating ability with Linux is the certification process. Linux+ 2005 In Depth uses carefully constructed examples, questions, and practical exercises to prepare readers with the necessary information to obtain the sought-after Linux+ certification from the Computing Technology Industry Association, or CompTIA. The Linux+ certification may also be used to fulfill the UNIX module of the cSAGE certification, which is geared toward junior-level system engineers. Once candidates pass the Linux+ exam, they are required only to pass the cSAGE core exam to earn the cSAGE Certification designation. Whatever your ultimate goal, you can be assured that reading this book in combination with study, creativity, and practice, will make the Open Source world come alive for you as it has for many others.
About the Author A graduate of the University of Waterloo, Jason has 13 years of experience as a UNIX administrator and software developer, mainly in large batch-scientific computing environments. He currently teaches at triOS College and holds 12 different UNIX and Linux certifications. A graduate of McMaster University, M. John Schitka is a former instructor at triOS College. Initially teaching NT4 technologies, he currently conducts courses on Windows 2000, UNIX, Linux, and more. |