Learn to use Unix, OS X, or Linux quickly and easily!

In just 24 lessons of one hour or less, Sams Teach Yourself Unix in 24 Hours helps you get up and running with Unix and Unix-based operating systems such as Mac OS X and Linux.

Designed for beginners with no previous experience using Unix, this book’s straightforward, step-by-step approach makes it easy to learn.

Each lesson clearly explains essential Unix tools and techniques from the ground up, helping you to become productive as quickly and efficiently as possible.



Step-by-step instructions carefully walk you through the most common Unix tasks.
Practical, hands-on examples show you how to apply what you learn.
Quizzes and exercises help you test your knowledge and stretch your skills.
Notes and tips point out shortcuts and solutions

Learn how to...



Pick the command shell that’s best for you
Organize the Unix file system (and why)
Manage file and directory ownership and permissions
Maximize your productivity with power filters and pipes
Use the vi and emacs editors
Create your own commands and shell scripts
Connect to remote systems using SSH and SFTP
Troubleshoot common problems
List files and manage disk usage
Get started with Unix shell programming
Set up printing in a Unix environment
Archive and back up files
Search for information and files
Use Perl as an alternative Unix programming language
Set up, tweak, and make use of the GNOME graphical environment

Contents at a Glance

HOUR 1: What Is This Unix Stuff?HOUR 2: Getting onto the System and Using the Command LineHOUR 3: Moving About the File SystemHOUR 4: Listing Files and Managing Disk UsageHOUR 5: Ownership and PermissionsHOUR 6: Creating, Moving, Renaming, and Deleting Files and DirectoriesHOUR 7: Looking into FilesHOUR 8: Filters, Pipes, and Wildcards!HOUR 9: Slicing and Dicing Command-Pipe DataHOUR 10: An Introduction to the vi EditorHOUR 11: Advanced vi Tricks, Tools, and TechniquessHOUR 12: An Overview of the emacs EditorHOUR 13: Introduction to Command ShellsHOUR 14: Advanced Shell InteractionHOUR 15: Job ControlHOUR 16: Shell Programming OverviewHOUR 17: Advanced Shell ProgrammingHOUR 18: Printing in the Unix EnvironmentHOUR 19: Archives and BackupsHOUR 20: Using Email to CommunicateHOUR 21: Connecting to Remote Systems Using SSH and SFTPHOUR 22: Searching for Information and FilesHOUR 23: Perl Programming in UnixHOUR 24: GNOME and the GUI EnvironmentAppendix A: Common Unix Questions and Answers