
UNIX Fundamentals
The UNIX operating system is a collection of programs that controls and organizes the resources and activities of a computer system. These resources consist of hardware such as the computer’s memory, various peripherals such as terminals, printers, and disk drives, and software utilities that perform specific tasks on the computer system. UNIX is a multiuser, multitasking operating system that allows the computer to perform a variety of functions for many users. It also provides users with an environment in which they can access the computer’s resources and utilities. This environment is characterized by its command interpreter, the shell.
In this chapter, we review a set of basic concepts for users working in the UNIX environment. As we mentioned in the preface, this book does not replace a general introduction to UNIX. A complete overview is essential to anyone not familiar with the file system, input and output redirection, pipes and filters, and many basic utilities. In addition, there are different versions of UNIX, and not all commands are identical in each version. In writing this book, we’ve used System V Release 2 on a Convergent Technologies’ Miniframe.
These disclaimers aside, if it has been a while since you tackled a general introduction, this chapter should help refresh your memory. If you are already familiar with UNIX, you can skip or skim this ...