UNIX For Dummies

by John R. Levine, Margaret Levine Young

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 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 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.

Genres: Reference, Technology, Nonfiction, Computers, Technical, Computer Science, Programming

408 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

Reviews

[Todd · Rating 1 out of 5]

Little value. I was frustrated when I would look up commands and it would say something like "this command is for advanced users. You should find someone smarter then you.".

I know those are not the exact words, but that's the gist of the book. If it's not an every-day-ordinary UNIX command, you should not be messing with it. I bought the book to learn about the commands I don't use every day.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple language to explain UNIX.
A bit outdated?

[Péter Szilágyi · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quite enjoyable read for people who meet UNIX systems for the first time. Probably not made to be read cover to cover, rather used as a quick reference if a situation demands.

The authors put a great effort into presenting the more complicated aspects in plain English and with humour. Sometimes a little too much humour if you ask me, even though I had more than one laughs out loud.

Personally I didn't find too much new information, but that just proves I wasn't the target audience. What might be problematic though is the inherent problem with IT-related literature: outdatedness. The 5th edition I read felt quite old in that aspect.

[Tonica]

I had an employer who I was a store manager for who demanded I read this book so I would understand how his system worked. This was in 2001 and the 'system' he set up crashed because it was not programed for the Y2K! Good book that helped me with TY sales and LY sales and hourly sales once I figured out how to program it.. lol

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

an excellent and informative read, entertaining, not a reference book, but provides a lot of background on why UNIX and Linux is the way it is... How the mail tool called "biff" was named... Sys Admin favorite foods, and other essentials are covered.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reference reading

[Peter]

stuck on p.40

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first Dummies book I ever read...it helped change my career path!