Where to Go for More Information
Although this book will get you started with the Unix underpinnings of Mac OS X, there are many online resources that can help you get a better understanding of Unix for Mac OS X:
- Apple’s Open Source Mailing Lists
http://developer.apple.com/darwin/mail.html
This site leads to all the Apple-hosted Darwin mailing lists, and includes links to list archives.
- The Darwin Project
http://developer.apple.com/darwin/
Darwin is a complete Unix operating system for x86 and PowerPC processors. Mac OS X is based on the Darwin project. Spend some time at this site to peek as deep under Mac OS X’s hood as is possible.
- Open Darwin
The Open Darwin project was founded in 2002 by Apple Computer and the Internet Software Consortium, Inc. (ISC). It is an independent project with a CVS repository that is separate from Apple’s Darwin project, but it aims for full binary compatibility with Mac OS X.
- Fink
Fink is a collection of open source Unix software that has been ported to Mac OS X. It is based on the Debian package management system, and includes utilities to easily mix precompiled binaries and software built from source. Fink also includes a complete GNOME desktop distribution.
- GNU-Darwin
http://gnu-darwin.sourceforge.net/
Like Fink, GNU-Darwin brings many free Unix applications to Darwin and Mac OS X. GNU-Darwin uses the FreeBSD ports system, which automates source code and patch distribution, as well as compilation, ...