The Linux operating system continues to gain popularity, and more networking services are being deployed on top of it for reasons of cost and flexibility. The book will give a comprehensive understanding of how networking works in Linux. At the beginning, the main distributions are described and how to choose the right one and set up a simple network configuration. Then we talk about diagnostics, firewalling, and using Linux as a host for network services. Finally, by working through sample builds, you'll become familiar with different options for defending against common types of attacks. Once you've completed the final chapters, you'll be one step closer to building a robust data center framework that runs entirely on Linux. Not only will you be able to configure your system with confidence, but you'll also be able to use proven methodologies for future deployments.