One sentence summary:
A comprehensive guide to learning and using the UNIX operating system, featuring clear explanations and practical examples.
Book genre:
Computer Science/Operating Systems
Main topic of the book:
The book serves as a beginner’s guide to understanding and using the UNIX operating system, with an emphasis on practical usage and hands-on learning.
Key ideas:
- Introduction to the basic concepts of UNIX, such as the file system, commands, and shell scripting.
- Hands-on learning through practical exercises and examples, including a detailed tutorial on setting up a UNIX environment.
- In-depth coverage of important features and utilities, such as text editors, file and directory management, and user management.
- Tips and tricks for customizing and automating tasks on UNIX, increasing efficiency and productivity.
- Overview of networking and security aspects of UNIX, such as remote access and file transfer protocols.
Main parts of the book and a short summary:
Part I: Introducing UNIX
- Covers the history and philosophy behind UNIX, as well as basic concepts such as the file system, commands, and shells.
- Detailed tutorial on getting started with UNIX, setting up a UNIX environment and using tools such as vi and emacs.
Part II: Learning UNIX Commands
- Dives into the most commonly used and important UNIX commands, organized based on their functions and usage.
- Includes practical examples and exercises to help readers understand and practice using the commands.
Part III: UNIX File Management
- Addresses file and directory management on UNIX, covering file permissions, compression, and archiving.
- Offers tips and tricks for advanced file management tasks, such as searching, sorting, and printing file contents.
Part IV: Shell Scripts
- Explores shell scripting on UNIX, including an introduction to scripting languages, how to write scripts, and debugging techniques.
- Demonstrates how shell scripts can be used to automate tasks, customize user environments, and interact with system utilities.
Part V: Customizing the Environment
- Covers various ways to customize and configure the user environment on UNIX, including terminal settings, aliases, and startup files.
- Discusses how to write your own tools and utilities for specific tasks, and how to manage and share them with other users.
Part VI: Networking
- Provides an overview of networking on UNIX, including remote login, file transfer, and email protocols.
- Includes information on setting up and configuring network connections and managing network services.
Part VII: UNIX Security
- Discusses various security aspects of UNIX, such as user and group management, file permissions, and system vulnerabilities.
- Offers tips on securing your UNIX environment and protecting against common security threats.
Key takeaways:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the UNIX operating system, from its history and philosophy to its most commonly used commands and utilities.
- Get hands-on experience with practical exercises and examples, making it easier to learn and remember the material.
- Learn tips and tricks for customizing and automating tasks on UNIX, increasing efficiency and productivity.
- Explore advanced topics such as shell scripting, networking, and security to become a confident and skilled UNIX user.
Author’s background and qualifications:
Jerry Peek is an experienced UNIX user and system administrator with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He has served as a technical writer for various companies and has authored numerous books and articles on UNIX and other operating systems. Peek is also a frequent speaker at technical conferences and has taught UNIX-related courses.
Target audience:
This book is primarily targeted towards beginners and intermediate users looking to learn and use the UNIX operating system. However, it can also serve as a useful reference for more experienced users looking to expand their knowledge and skills.
Publisher and first publication date:
The book was published by O’Reilly Media as part of their “Nutshell Handbook” series. The first edition was published in April 2002, with subsequent updated editions released in 2007 and 2017.