Learning Python, Perl, or Ruby would help you create admin scripts that would save you lots of manual work. For me automated log file alerting, SQL query parsing, SQL table updates, Internet file uploading/downloading, etc. has been a huge plus. Perl is likely the most widely used in terms of existing scripts that you can review, modify, borrow ideas from, etc.
But from a long term maintainability and readability standpoint I would recommend Python or Ruby over Perl. Just my $0.02... IOANNIS MANOLOUDIS wrote: > I thank everybody for your replies. > I think I'll get Hertland's book since it's newer than O'reillys. > I don't want to become a programmer. Neither Python is part of my studies. > I've finished with my studies. I want to become a Unix/Linux admin and > knowledge of either Python or Perl is an asset. > Do you think that this book is the right one for me? > Ioannis -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list