Linux Documentation Project
Encyclopedia
The Linux Documentation Project (LDP) is an all-volunteer project that maintains a large collection of GNU
and Linux
-related documentation and publishes the collection online. It began as a way for hackers to share their documentation
with each other and with their users, and for users to share documentation with each other. Its documents tend to be oriented towards experienced users such as professional system administrators, but it also contains tutorials for beginners.
site in 1992, but it went on the World Wide Web
at MetaLab
in 1993. It is believed to have been the first Linux related website ever.
Today, the LDP serves over 475 documents contributed by even more authors. About a dozen of them are book length, and most of those are available in print from major technical publishers including O'Reilly
.
On 2008-09-01 LDP started a wiki to allow a better interaction with the authors and the users.
for an ISP
.
Very broad topics are covered in the guides, which are book-length documents, usually on broad subjects such as security or networking.
The LDP also publishes Frequently Asked Question (FAQ
) lists, man pages and other documents, as well as two webzines, the Linux Gazette
and Linux Focus
.
Much of the LDP collection is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License
(GFDL). Many other licenses are also used, as long as they are freely distributable. Current policy recommends the GFDL.
Linux Network Administrators' Guide
is one book in the series.
GNU
GNU is a Unix-like computer operating system developed by the GNU project, ultimately aiming to be a "complete Unix-compatible software system"...
and Linux
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
-related documentation and publishes the collection online. It began as a way for hackers to share their documentation
Documentation
Documentation is a term used in several different ways. Generally, documentation refers to the process of providing evidence.Modules of Documentation are Helpful...
with each other and with their users, and for users to share documentation with each other. Its documents tend to be oriented towards experienced users such as professional system administrators, but it also contains tutorials for beginners.
History
The LDP originally began as an FTPFile Transfer Protocol
File Transfer Protocol is a standard network protocol used to transfer files from one host to another host over a TCP-based network, such as the Internet. FTP is built on a client-server architecture and utilizes separate control and data connections between the client and server...
site in 1992, but it went on the World Wide Web
World Wide Web
The World Wide Web is a system of interlinked hypertext documents accessed via the Internet...
at MetaLab
Metalab
The Metalab is a hackerspace in Vienna's central first district.Founded in 2006, it is a meeting place of the Viennese tech community, hosting events from culture festivals to user groups....
in 1993. It is believed to have been the first Linux related website ever.
Today, the LDP serves over 475 documents contributed by even more authors. About a dozen of them are book length, and most of those are available in print from major technical publishers including O'Reilly
O'Reilly Media
O'Reilly Media is an American media company established by Tim O'Reilly that publishes books and Web sites and produces conferences on computer technology topics...
.
On 2008-09-01 LDP started a wiki to allow a better interaction with the authors and the users.
Content
The LDP publishes many HowTo documents, which instruct a user on the specific steps to take to achieve a desired goal. These goals are sometimes very specific, such as configuring a particular modem, and sometimes very broad, such as how to administer a networkComputer network
A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information....
for an ISP
Internet service provider
An Internet service provider is a company that provides access to the Internet. Access ISPs directly connect customers to the Internet using copper wires, wireless or fiber-optic connections. Hosting ISPs lease server space for smaller businesses and host other people servers...
.
Very broad topics are covered in the guides, which are book-length documents, usually on broad subjects such as security or networking.
The LDP also publishes Frequently Asked Question (FAQ
FAQ
Frequently asked questions are listed questions and answers, all supposed to be commonly asked in some context, and pertaining to a particular topic. "FAQ" is usually pronounced as an initialism rather than an acronym, but an acronym form does exist. Since the acronym FAQ originated in textual...
) lists, man pages and other documents, as well as two webzines, the Linux Gazette
Linux Gazette
The Linux Gazette is a monthly self-published Linux computing webzine.-History:It was started in 1995 by John M. Fisk as a free service. He went on to pursue his studies and become a medical doctor. At Mr. Fisk's request, the publication was sponsored and managed by SSC...
and Linux Focus
Linux Focus
LinuxFocus was a bi-monthly webzine covering Linux. It is part of the Linux Documentation Project, and a sister webzine of the Linux Gazette. Each issue is published in a number of languages....
.
Much of the LDP collection is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License
GNU Free Documentation License
The GNU Free Documentation License is a copyleft license for free documentation, designed by the Free Software Foundation for the GNU Project. It is similar to the GNU General Public License, giving readers the rights to copy, redistribute, and modify a work and requires all copies and...
(GFDL). Many other licenses are also used, as long as they are freely distributable. Current policy recommends the GFDL.
Linux Network Administrators' Guide
Linux Network Administrators' Guide
The Linux Network Administrator's Guide is a book on setting up and running Unix networks. The first and second editions are freely available in electronic form under the GFDL. It was originally produced by Olaf Kirch and others as part of the Linux Documentation Project with help from O'Reilly....
is one book in the series.