Unix for Dummies

John R. Levine provides a great introduction to UNIX, geared towards newcomers to this operating system. While anybody who has already spent a while working with UNIX, will probably consider the approach and contents of this book as too simplistic, it appears to be a perfect fit for those readers who need to or want to take their first steps in this great operating system.Once the basic philosophy of UNIX has been communicated, and the reader has become familiar with the use of a wide variety of the standard commands, as well as the basic functionality of a few shell command interpreters, the reader is equipped with all the basics for jumping into the pool and paddling around. Even though this title provides a great introduction for UNIX users, and will be sufficient to learn how to swim with the flow, it should by no means be considered a sufficient resource for the experienced and/or advanced UNIX user or system administrator. For these latter groups there are a variety of other titles available that provide the desired depth. However, Levine's book is one of the very few that manages to address the very basics which quite often are omitted in other publications presumably aimed at the same target group.Even though it will take an aspiring reader and UNIX user quite a while to get to level of understanding required to get the most out of the likes of "The Design of the UNIX Operating System" and "Design and Implementation of the BSD 4.4 Operating System", this book constitutes the first step for any newcomer towards achieving such a goal.

I cannot understand how anyone can say anything bad about this book. It is absolutely fantastic to learn about working with the UNIX operating system. Detail, step-by-step explanations and examples of the main UNIX commands. If you need to work with UNIX, buy this book NOW! There is no better guide to help you get started in the confusing world of UNIX. I wish someone would write Oracle database books that are this easy to use and reference. Thanks to the authors!

I've been working on IBM mainframe systems for several years, and had to start working on UNIX. I got a copy of this book, and have never regretted it! Well layed out, informative, and genuinely useful. I still refer to it regularly, and colleagues 'borrow' it on a daily basis. The best work related book I've ever bought!

It seems unfair that there is only one previous review for this book. I am an experienced computer geek, but new to Unix. I bought it to help me understand what I was getting into in setting up a Linux/Apache server. It is a great book, easy to follow, full of useful advice, and (unbelievably) fun. The commands from it that I have used have all been correct. My only complaint is minor - the index could be better.

I think this book is right on the money. It is easy to use and friendly to the beginer like my self. It lays everything out very nicely. I recomed this book for all ages.