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.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 17 Ratings

BRUSH AND BRUSH, YET, NO SHINE! - 2003-03-23
Reviewer Rating:
Unless you are a complete UNIX dummy, there is not much to expect (or benefit) from this book. Its meager 158 pages only succeeded in brushing around the very basics (and simple commands). Apart from its cogent narrations on how best a novice could explore UNIX applications and use command interface, there is little that shine in this book.
Anyone who knows one or two things about UNIX is likely to be disappointed by its inept coverage. Hence, I would advise such person to opt for "Mac OS X for Unix Geeks", which provided a more palatable gist in a chronological order. Versatile enthusiasts, who are interested in advanced explorations, should consider "Mac OS X Unleashed". One of its chapters on Unix-Mac relationships did eclipse anything this book can boast of.

An excellent starting point for Unix novices - 2003-05-18
Reviewer Rating:
I have recently fallen in love with Macs. I had been a Windows developer for 15 years. Occasionally I have had to poke around on the Solaris command line at work, but I am a Unix newbie. This book does a great job of laying out the basics of Unix for people who have little or no Unix experience. This book does not provide a "quick start". It does not go into excessive depth on Unix. But it does provide fundamental building blocks for expanding one's Unix knowledge. My suggestion to Unix novices: read this little book from cover to cover. Then you'll be able to take advantage of all the free articles and technical documentation that explain how to do the fun, tricky stuff.

A Great Starting Point - 2003-05-27
Reviewer Rating:
In the vast world of Linux/UNIX, I found it hard to know where to start learning. I figured that since I knew a significant amount about OS X that this book might make for a good beginning level book. I was so right. For someone who knows absolutely nothing about UNIX commands, this book is for you. You will learn the absolute basics and nothing more. Keep that in mind: you will not learn anything beyond the basics. If you're looking for something a little more comprehensive, then look somewhere else. However, if you are looking for a short, basic introduction to the world of UNIX so you can get around, this book is definitely for you.

Very nice and complete introduction book - 2005-09-24
Reviewer Rating:
Hey guys, it is not a book for gurus it is for learners and for beginners. As such this book is completely up-to the task and it is well written and easy to follow. It is never easy task to learn new things and studying UNIX isn't exception. This book is very nicely, didactically organized and facilitates the transition from subject to subject. I used this book and Linux and UNIX for a beginner training suite, 4DVDs + 2CDs includes 4 Unix Academy Certifications ed.2008 and they made the very efficient couple.
You have the smooth consistent info with the book and then you have the workflow with the DVD. This book cover basics but often the basics are the most difficult things. For those people who had never touched UNIX internals of their Apple computer this book will do and it will make good intro into completely different way to do things.

Unix for people who already know Unix... - 2003-03-27
Reviewer Rating:
Dave Taylor and Brian Jepson, please take a pedagogy pill and call me in the morning... Sheesh, could they have made this any more obtuse? Purchase this book if you have a lot of time on your hands and/or enjoy learning things despite the best efforts of the author. To paraphrase Churchill: "Never have two guys taken so long to explain so little."

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