Free books and manuals
A legally free IT library
A curated list of official, free-to-read and open learning resources. The aim is to point learners to legitimate sources, not mystery PDFs from the dodgy alleyway of the internet.
Library shelves
Browse by topic
Start with the topic-specific pages, then use the master table for quick lookup.
Free library
Free Linux Books
Linux books, manuals and courses that are free to read or openly licensed.
Free libraryFree Bash Books
Bash manuals, shell scripting guides and safe practice prompts.
Free libraryFree Git Books
Git learning resources and a recommended order for beginners.
Free libraryFree Programming Books
Beginner-friendly resources for Python, web development and computer science fundamentals.
Free libraryFree Networking and Security Resources
DNS, networking, web security and defensive basics for support engineers.
Master list
Recommended free resources
Licence terms differ. Some resources are free to read but restrict commercial reuse, editing or redistribution.
| Resource | Level | Format | Licence note | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Linux Command Line Official source | Beginner | PDF / online info | CC BY-NC-ND free download | Linux command line basics, files, pipes, shell scripting Suggested follow-up |
| Pro Git Official source | Beginner to intermediate | HTML / ebook | CC BY-NC-SA | Git fundamentals, branching, remotes and workflows Suggested follow-up |
| GNU Bash Reference Manual Official source | Intermediate | HTML / PDF formats | GNU documentation | Bash shell behavior, expansions, builtins and scripts Suggested follow-up |
| Debian Administrator’s Handbook Official source | Intermediate | HTML / ebook | Free software compatible licence | Debian administration, packages, services and system management Suggested follow-up |
| Automate the Boring Stuff with Python Official source | Beginner | HTML | Free to read under Creative Commons | Python automation for files, spreadsheets, web data and repetitive tasks Suggested follow-up |
| OpenStax Computer Science Books Official source | Beginner to academic | HTML / PDF options | OpenStax free online textbooks | Computer science, Python, information systems and data topics Suggested follow-up |
| MDN Web Docs Official source | Beginner to advanced | HTML documentation | Free web documentation under open licences | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, web APIs and frontend reference Suggested follow-up |
| Linux Foundation Introduction to Linux Official source | Beginner | Free online course | Free training course | Linux concepts, command line, desktop and admin basics Suggested follow-up |