The UNIX Time-Sharing System

By D. M. Ritchie and K. Thompson

Unix is a general-purpose, multi-user, interactive operating system for the larger Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-11 and the Interdata 8/32 computers. It offers a number of features seldom found even in larger operating systems, including

• A hierarchical file system incorporating demountable volumes,
• Compatible file, device, and inter-process I/O,
• The ability to initiate asynchronous processes,
• System command language selectable on a per-user basis,
• Over 100 subsystems including a dozen languages,
• High degree of portability.

This paper discusses the nature and implementation of the file system and of the user command interface.

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The Linux Cookbook: Tips and Techniques for Everyday Use

by Michael Stutz

Because of its robust and stable nature, the Linux−based system is the choice of millions today. But what some may not know is that the free software movement, of which Linux is a part, is very much a counter−cultural phenomenon: the design by which it is produced and published is contrary to the notions of proprietary, intellectual "property" that have dominated mainstream culture so long. While some programmers turn their research into corporate−backed software that you cannot openly change, share, or examine (but only purchase and run on your system), Linux and other free software is the product of many individuals who courageously published and shared their research and work openly, for everyone to benefit from.

I wrote this book because I want everyone to know how to use this software, because I think everyone deserves the freedom that comes with it. I don't willingly use proprietary software−−not because it is always

inferior to free software, but because its use precludes freedoms that I find I cannot exist without ... freedoms that should be everyone's right by default in a free, open society. (See Introduction.)

I know that Linux isn't difficult to use, especially when compared with other software and operating systems, but what was needed was a guide to show people how to use it to get things done: "Oh, you want to do

that? Here, type this."

That explains the premise of the book−−it's a hands−on guide to getting things done on a Linux system, designed for the everyday user who is not necessarily a computer programmer......

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100 Linux Tips and Tricks

by Patrick Lambert

This book was written for anyone using Linux, from new users to experts who want to explore this wonderful operating system. The tips and tricks in this book were discovered by myself over years of experience using Linux, and learning about it. Some are very basic tips to make your computing life easier, others are advanced tricks that can save you days of work.

I tried to cover all distributions of Linux in this book. I personaly use Slackware and RedHat on PC systems. If you find any error in the book, feel free to contact me so a future second edition could correct them.

This book is divided into 5 chapters. Each chapter covers a specific topic:

• Chapter 2 covers installation of Linux. These are tips and tricks useful when installing Linux itself or any new program. Some tips will cover new means of installing Linux on non-typical hardware, others will explain how to take Linux distributions from an FTP server and make your own CD-ROM with them, or where to find Linux CD-ROMs for as little as $2.
• Chapter 3 covers hardware related matters. You will learn tips there on how to get your non-PostScript compatible printer to work, or how to get a sound card detected.
• Chapter 4 covers software. You will find tips there about all kinds of Linux software, including where to find and how to install the Java Development Kit port, and everything about the Pine mail and news program.
• Chapter 5 covers networking in all its forms. There you will see how to setup a PPP connection quickly, without editing all of the configuration files yourself, as well as some nice programs that were made to ease dialup procedures. You will also see tricks on how to make your local LAN network without unexpected problems.
• Chapter 6 is the last chapter but covers an important part of Linux: development. Here you will find a lot of tips on how to write powerful scripts to make your system easier to handle, and a full overview of what to do and what you don't want to do in C to avoid problems like memory leaks, and how to allow easy scalability.

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