UNIX has been evolving feverishly for close to 30 years, sort of like bacteria in a cesspool - only not as attractive. As a result, many different varieties of UNIX have existed along the way. Although they all share numerous characteristics, they differ just enough that even experienced users are tripped up by the differences between versions. If you're like most UNIX users, a zealot stopped at your desk, connected your terminal or workstation, gave you five minutes of incomprehensible advice, demonstrated a few bizarre games (like roaches that hide behind the work on your screen), and disappeared. Now you're on your own. Don't worry. UNIX For Dummies, 4th Edition, cuts through all the technojargon lurking in the UNIX command jungle to deliver clear instructions just how and when you need them. This indispensable reference includes sections on Typing commands Copying, renaming, and deleting files Printing files Finding where your file went Using the Internet from UNIX Connecting and communicating with people on other computers Discover how to get your UNIX system's attention, persuade it that you are allowed to use it, and even accomplish something useful as you find out how to Choose the right flavor of UNIX for you Set up and operate UNIX terminals Manage files, directories, and printing Use the Common Desktop Environment and other window systems Browse the Web, send and receive e-mail, and read Usenet newsgroups Deal with all the major versions of UNIX, including Berkeley UNIX, Solaris, and SunOS Troubleshoot and solve common problems The expert writing team of John Levin and Margaret Levin Young also give you a look at the latest developments with Linux, the wildly popular, completely free version of UNIX - all in a single volume designed to put you in command with a computer system that can be tamed.
John R. Levine provides a great introduction to UNIX, geared towards newcomers to this operating system. While anybody who has already spent a while working with UNIX, will probably consider the approach and contents of this book as too simplistic, it appears to be a perfect fit for those readers who need to or want to take their first steps in this great operating system.Once the basic philosophy of UNIX has been communicated, and the reader has become familiar with the use of a wide variety of the standard commands, as well as the basic functionality of a few shell command interpreters, the reader is equipped with all the basics for jumping into the pool and paddling around. Even though this title provides a great introduction for UNIX users, and will be sufficient to learn how to swim with the flow, it should by no means be considered a sufficient resource for the experienced and/or advanced UNIX user or system administrator. For these latter groups there are a variety of other titles available that provide the desired depth. However, Levine's book is one of the very few that manages to address the very basics which quite often are omitted in other publications presumably aimed at the same target group.Even though it will take an aspiring reader and UNIX user quite a while to get to level of understanding required to get the most out of the likes of "The Design of the UNIX Operating System" and "Design and Implementation of the BSD 4.4 Operating System", this book constitutes the first step for any newcomer towards achieving such a goal.
wonderful unix reference
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
I cannot understand how anyone can say anything bad about this book. It is absolutely fantastic to learn about working with the UNIX operating system. Detail, step-by-step explanations and examples of the main UNIX commands. If you need to work with UNIX, buy this book NOW! There is no better guide to help you get started in the confusing world of UNIX. I wish someone would write Oracle database books that are this easy to use and reference. Thanks to the authors!
Absolutely fabulous
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 25 years ago
I've been working on IBM mainframe systems for several years, and had to start working on UNIX. I got a copy of this book, and have never regretted it! Well layed out, informative, and genuinely useful. I still refer to it regularly, and colleagues 'borrow' it on a daily basis. The best work related book I've ever bought!
Superb introduction. Both useful and easy to read.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
It seems unfair that there is only one previous review for this book. I am an experienced computer geek, but new to Unix. I bought it to help me understand what I was getting into in setting up a Linux/Apache server. It is a great book, easy to follow, full of useful advice, and (unbelievably) fun. The commands from it that I have used have all been correct. My only complaint is minor - the index could be better.
Im a 12 year old kid and I know unix because of this book.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
I think this book is right on the money. It is easy to use and friendly to the beginer like my self. It lays everything out very nicely. I recomed this book for all ages.
ThriftBooks sells millions of used books at the lowest everyday prices. We personally assess every book's quality and offer rare, out-of-print treasures. We deliver the joy of reading in recyclable packaging with free standard shipping on US orders over $15. ThriftBooks.com. Read more. Spend less.