Unix for the Impatient

by Paul W. Abrahams, Bruce R. Larson

This handbook has become well known as clear, concise and readable resource for the technically oriented UNIX user who doesn't want to wade through verbose tutorials, but who isn't already an expert. The CD contains all the proven features of the book in hypertext format, and includes software so users can set up their own UNIX system.

Genres: Computer Science, Programming, Technology, Nonfiction

824 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5 star review is probably way over inflated since this book has a very special place in my past. The book is mostly just hard copy man pages with a smattering of advice. This book caught my eye before I knew "what to look for", and I managed to read the entire book in a single cramming session for a job interview the night before. I got the job, and learned a lot about UNIX at the same time. I don't think that would be the best use of your time if you were in the same situation.

[Qubitng · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used this nearly 2 decades ago to get up to speed with Unix scripting. At the time there were hardly anything like this at all; definitely the alternatives such as the man pages were not ideal for learning. But it was a great place to get started. But once you find your bearings, the man pages were an easier read than the book.

Although this book is a bit dense, back then I did not hesitate in recommending this book because it was unique. I definitely would have rated it a 4 or 4.5. But today, with the variety of tutorials available, this would be a 3.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a comprehensive work on the subject, but like most Unix programmers, it is a bit dense (data per volume, not vapidity per brain cell) and not very user friendly, particularly for someone coming from a Windows background like me, who likes to have their hand held.

[Timothy Culp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick intro and helped me land my first job working in Unix.