Customer Reviews

UNIX Internals: A Practical Approach

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the few books that explores Unix kernel internals. Unfortunately, it is highly specific to the SCO version of Unix. The book constantly refers the reader to the system man pages for more information. Doesn't touch modern topics such as threads and multiprocessors. It also full of examples; but they use SCO specific examples and make extensive use of SCO utilities. And, many examples require root to actually run; otherwise you're limited to reading the excellent screen captures.

If you do system programming for SCO, this is a must have (along with SCO's system documentation). If you're into many Unix(s) (Solaris, Linux, BSD, AIX, etc.) you'll be disappointed. I work with Solaris, BSD and Linux and am trying to decide to keep it for reference or return it.

I have glanced through it many times in the bookstore and have again and again found so many of my answers in the book, well explained and summarized with all the diagrams. Concepts which have been quite difficult to gather from other places.

For example, the part on STREAMS. Not many books are available in the market explaining the detailed concepts well enough (which include the STREAMS manual itself).

This book explains the internals in great detail but is still easy to follow. Quite a lot of examples are also provided ( eg. a ps - like command ). But this book is written for SCO and is only limites applicable to other platforms! So beware!

Very good book.Clearly given all required details.Reading this book is entertaining. It will be good if Table Of contents is provided for this book in Amazon.com like other books.

I can got kernel module and system call interface by some modifing examples. Though this book if for SCO Unixware, I could apply to my Solaris 2.x system and got wanting result.

The text and example of this book are more practical than any other "Unix Internal ..." books to me.

You can get real imformation about Unix kernel and test your understand. But, it may take some time if you test them at other Unix except SCO Unixware. I did.

Here is a book that explains road map of what are going on inside Unix kernel. This book is a complement of more theorical Unix kernel, eg: Bach's The design of the Unix OS, et al.

Unlike many other technical books, this one is entertaining to read. It also covers in depth in many points that many programmers overlook: eg. exit-handlers.

There are many illustrative charts to simplify and help readers to learn faster.

A good book, also the only one of its kind in Unix kernel.