The UNIX-HATERS Handbook

This is going to be my favorite piece of IT literature in a while. The UNIX-HATERS Handbook is a semi-humorous edited compilation of messages sent to the UNIX-HATERS mailing list. It’s been 17 years since the publication date, so it’s pretty old now… Doesn’t matter — a large part of what has been said in this book still remains relevant, regardless of the age. It’s enlightening to see how the same old problems bear upon the Linux environment, even after so many years.

The UNIX-HATERS Handbook cover

The UNIX-HATERS Handbook embodies a fair bit of history packed up with great humor. Even if it doesn’t give a balanced view, it does make for an excellent read — hilarious comments and brilliantly coined analogies pour out of almost every page. I consider it a must for everyone who has an active interest in Linux, given one doesn’t hold Unix as a flawless picture of perfection — because if you do, it will certainly hurt your feelings. 

The book is available for download as a free PDF. Once you’re done reading, I also highly recommend getting some additional context:  Eric Raymond’s take on the topic and relevant Slashdot discussion.