Synopses & Reviews
The success of Apple's operating system, Mac OS X, and its Unix roots has brought many new potential Unix users searching for information. The Terminal application and that empty command line can be daunting at first, but users understand it can bring them power and flexibility. Learning Unix for Mac OS X is a concise introduction to just what a reader needs to know to get a started with Unix on Mac OS X. Many Mac users are familiar and comfortable with the easy-to-use elegance of the GUI. With Mac OS X, they now have the ability to not only continue to use their preferred platform, but to explore the powerful capabilities of Unix. Learning Unix for Mac OS X gives the reader information on how to use the Terminal application, become functional with the command interface, explore many Unix applications, and learn how to take advantage of the strengths of both interfaces.The reader will find all the common commands simply explained with accompanying examples, exercises, and opportunities for experimentation. The book even includes problem checklists along the way to help the reader if they get stuck. The books begins with a introduction to the Unix environment to encourage the reader to get comfortable with the command line. The coverage then expands to launching and configuring the Terminal application--the heart of the Unix interface for the Mac OS X user. The text also introduces how to manage, create, edit, and transfer files. Most everyone using a computer today knows the importance of the internet. And Learning Unix for Mac OS X provides instruction on how to use function such as mail, chat, and web browsing from the command line. A unique challenge for Mac OS X users is printing from the command line. The book contains an entire chapter on how to configure and utilize the various print functions.The book has been reviewed by Apple for technological accuracy and brandishes the Apple Development Connection (ADC) logo.
Synopsis
This concise introduction offers just what readers need to know for getting started with Unix functions on Mac OS X. The book tells readers how to use the Terminal application, and become functional with the command interface.
About the Author
Jerry Peek is a freelance writer and instructor. He has used shells extensively and has taught users about them for over 20 years. Peek is the "Power Tools" columnist for "Linux Magazine" and coauthored the book "UNIX Power Tools".Dave Taylor is the founder of Growing Ventures, Inc., a consultancy that matches professional service providers with startups. He the creator of The Internet Mall and iTrack.com, and helps startups with strategies and tactics. Dave is also the creator of the Elm mail system for Unix; he contributed to the development of BSD 4.4, and has published various books, including the third edition of Sams Teach Yourself Unix in 24 Hours.
Table of Contents
Preface; Mac OS X and the Unix Family of Operating Systems; Versions of Unix; Interfaces to Unix; What This Handbook Covers; Format; The Evolution of This Book; Acknowledgments; Chapter 1: Getting Started; 1.1 Working in the Unix Environment; 1.2 Syntax of Unix Command Lines; 1.3 Types of Commands; 1.4 The Unresponsive Terminal; Chapter 2: Using Unix; 2.1 The Unix Filesystem; 2.2 Looking Inside Files with less; 2.3 Protecting and Sharing Files; 2.4 Graphical Filesystem Browsers; 2.5 Completing File and Directory Names; Chapter 3: File Management; 3.1 File and Directory Names; 3.2 File and Directory Wildcards; 3.3 Creating and Editing Files; 3.4 Managing Your Files; Chapter 4: Customizing Your Session; 4.1 Launching Terminal; 4.2 Customizing Your Shell Environment; 4.3 Further Customization; Chapter 5: Printing; 5.1 Formatting and Print Commands; 5.2 Configuring Your LPR Printer; Chapter 6: Redirecting I/O; 6.1 Standard Input and Standard Output; 6.2 Pipes and Filters; Chapter 7: Accessing the Internet; 7.1 Remote Logins; 7.2 Transferring Files; Chapter 8: Unix-Based Internet Tools; 8.1 Lynx, a Text-Based Web Browser; 8.2 Electronic Mail; 8.3 Usenet News; 8.4 Interactive Chat; Chapter 9: Multitasking; 9.1 Running a Command in the Background; 9.2 Checking on a Process; 9.3 Canceling a Process; Chapter 10: Where to Go from Here; 10.1 Documentation; 10.2 Shell Aliases and Functions; 10.3 Programming; Configuring Sendmail; Quick Reference; Glossary; Colophon;