The UNIX and X Command Compendium: A Dictionary for High-Level Computing [Hardcover]

Alan Southerton (Author), Edwin C. Perkins Jr. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 1994 | ISBN-10: 0471012815 | ISBN-13: 978-0471012818 | Edition: 1

An extended reference guide and glossary covering not only all UNIX commands but 3,000 actual examples for those commands—one for each variation. Features a unique organization with a built-in keyword dictionary, a cross-reference section for every command and other useful information.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This book proves that there are more UNIX commands under the sun than grains of sand on a beach. Or at least 2000 or so. Like any good dictionary, Southerton and Perkins's effort is organized alphabetically for easy access. Each entry includes rich examples, and, since UNIX commands rarely stand alone, these examples provide additional clues to helping you use UNIX more efficiently. Each entry is also categorized for specific audiences-end users, script authors, power users, and system administrators. You'll recognize immediately which commands are appropriate for your UNIX level. Keyword and See also references help in digesting more obscure commands. Three appendixes on vi, emacs, and shell characters, along with an ASCII table and a keyword index, round out this excellent UNIX reference source.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 623 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (July 28, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471012815
• ISBN-13: 978-0471012818
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,244,927 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Higher Level Computing, February 20, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The UNIX and X Command Compendium: A Dictionary for High-Level Computing (Hardcover)

This book is great when working with various platforms like I do in Customer Support. The only problem is they have to update it from 1994 to include more and/or less terms and their definitions. Otherwise most of the terminology is good, accurate and concise when one is trying to work with scripting or just using the commands in the book. Otherwise, an excellent book. I hope they come up eventually with an update on it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great UNIX reference, March 6, 2000

By 

Deborah P "Deborah" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The UNIX and X Command Compendium: A Dictionary for High-Level Computing (Paperback)

If you want to do something in UNIX this book has the command. It won't hold your hand and teach you unix step by step, but it is an excellent reference. The book lists zillions of commands - from common to obscure - and clearly explains what they do (in different flavors even). Anyone working with UNIX should have a copy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great UNIX reference to have at your fingertips, November 28, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The UNIX and X Command Compendium: A Dictionary for High-Level Computing (Paperback)

A complete and concise, UNIX reference book that cuts directly to the essential information that you are looking for. Well organized and easy to use, it should be on the desk of anyone who uses UNIX. A complete list of commands and what they do, this book might even help you find a command that you have always wanted but did not know existed.