UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Hi all, and thanks for viewing this thread.

I have never used the terminal (UNIX) before, not until I read an introductory book about it: Unix for Mac OS X Tiger. Now I've become intrigued, and I want to uncover more of the mysteries of Unix. I've searched and searched, but there are many books that talk about Unix. I'm interested in overall general UNIX, troubleshooting problems, tasks automation, and activating hidden features (For instance, typing "defaults write com.apple.dock showhidden -bool true" makes hidden apps semitransparent.), and perhaps in the distant future: system adminstration.

Please bear in mind that I have looked at the Answers to Frequently Asked Questions forum, and I haven't seen recent (all the posts range from 2000-2002) posts about great books. 7-5 years is a very long period.

I am using Mac OS X Tiger. I'd appreciate it if someone recommends me a book that corresponds to my needs.

Thanks in advanced.

UNIX is a general term for a wide group of operating system, some of the things you mention are very specific to Apple's Macintosh OS X.

The best way to learn is to set yourself a specific task and try and work through that, you may not achieve it but you will gain a more comprehensive understanding than just flitting about with trivial tips.

Indeed, they are. I don't quite understand what you meant by that. As I said in my previous post, I only have an introductory background and not a firm base. I'd appreciate it if someone recommends me a book that corresponds to my interests/needs. Any great book about UNIX (from a mac os x perspective) will suffice. :-)

On the principle that I never recommend a book I do own, the only book on UNIX I have is "UNIX Network Programming" by the late W. Richard Stevens, that would not be what you want.

I suggest you go to a bookshop, browse, and see what picques your interest.

I don't buy books anymore, but I would steer you towards web guides and tutorials. Search term "learning bash" should be a good general start, from there you can add Mac search terms.

... or, heavens above, a library.