Quote:
Originally Posted by
ibex333
I will be taking a UNIX course as a part of my college Data Com concentration curriculum. Just thought it would be a good idea to get a little head start, since this class will most likely be quite difficult for someone like me. I never did any programming and I never dealt with Unix or Linux short of playing with Ubuntu for a few hours a long time ago, and quickly deciding that it's not for me. I need help with my questions please:
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ibex333
1)Tried getting a book on amazon about Unix, but relevant books for sale are OLD. Latest one I found was 2005. I doubt there were no new developments in this field since then. Why are Unix books so hard to find?
Because not that much has changed in 5 years or so. If you get a good 2005 book and learn it, you will learn a lot, I am sure.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ibex333
2)Why would someone use Unix and not Linux and wise versa? If someone already knows Linux, does he automatically know Unix? Is the reverse true as well?
UNIX and Linux are "big words" and there is a lot more to each of them that the four letters in "UNIX" and the five letters in "Linux". Learning in each environment will certainly help you in the other; most of the basic concepts are the same; as are the underlying theory and most of the shell commands. So, the short, not perfect answer is "yes".
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ibex333
3)How do I start learning Unix? Where do I start? I need the absolute basics. A course for dummies, if you will.
Everone learns differently. Some people like to read books. Other like to work on projects and "learn by doing". I suggest you "learn by doing". Build a web server. That is a good start, isn't it?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
ibex333
4)Should I use this OS through VM Ware/Virtual Box? Should I make a dual boot? Should I install on a single machine?
Thanks!
That is really up to you, not us. But as a general rule, you are better off to "keep it simple". I prefer simple, so why not just build a simple, cheap box and go from there. You can learn "dual boot" and "VM Ware" another day.