Unix Clearly Explained

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 691 pages
• Published by: Morgan Kaufmann Pub
• Edition: 1st Edition October 1998
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0125521308
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0125521307
• Book Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 1.2 inches
• Weighs: 2.6 pounds

Dr. Dobb's Journal
UNIX Clearly Explained is an introduction to the UNIX operating system for end users. The book commences with an explanation of the role of operating systems and then moves on to "Getting Started," introducing the novice to the basic UNIX shell commands. It takes a quick detour through the basics of Motif and OpenLook operations, returning to the command line for discussion of files and directories, file structure, the vi editor, shells, regular expressions, filters, and emacs. Most quotidian UNIX commands receive coverage.

UNIX Clearly Explained is targeted at commercial implementations of System V and BSD. HP and SCO users will probably find their environment most conforming to the environment envisaged by the author. It seems odd that the book does not mention Linux at all. Nowadays there is a good chance of Linux being the naive user's first introduction to UNIX.

The book might have been called Whirlwind Tour of Critical UNIX Features for Novice Users. Given the ambition of UNIX Clearly Explained and the scope of the discussion, the presentation is gratifyingly clear and readable, although it seems occasionally as if technical points Petersen is trying to make sometimes become submerged in the detailed explanations of what's happening in the example. There's a sort of breathless tone, as if Petersen is cognizant that each sentence could introduce an entire discussion on it own, but we're in a hurry, so let's get on to the next example. Read more --Jack Woehr, Dr. Dobb's Journal

Book Description
Unix Clearly Explained is a complete tutorial introduction to the use and programming of the Unix operating system. Unix is known as one of the most flexible operating systems, and one of the most difficult to master. To many potential users, Unix can appear outright hostile. Much of this hostility is the result of disorientation that occurs when a user is faced with a multitude of commands. As you begin to learn Unix, it is very easy to become lost, resulting in a situation where you have little or no idea of how anything works.

This text presents a working model for the major features of Unix. Once you have a familiar model to work from, it is easy to explore the many features of Unix in depth, as needed. Once you know Unix, you will find it intriguingly powerful and versatile.

In this book you will learn:

- Commands for managing files, directories, executing tasks, and GUI interfaces, specific to the Unix operating system.
- The major Unix shells including Bourne, Korn, C-shell, BASH, TCSH, and the Z shell. Features and configuration methods for each are explained in detail.
- Detailed presentation of Unix filters used for editing, data management, and file operations with numerous examples and figures.
- Both the Vi and Emacs editors, presented with particular attention paid to concepts helpful in learning their unique capabilities and features.
- Extensive tables provided for each topic as well as numerous figures and examples.
- Detailed coverage of Unix communication tools (mail, news, Internet Tools, remote access operations).