a couple of questions

[viperpa33s]

Where I work they are moving from a IBM mainframe system to a Unix based system. I need to know Unix and is trying to get a basic understanding. This is from a person who hasn't used Unix or Linux but used Windows all my life. I don't want to sound like a idiot, just getting the basic understanding.

1) Is the basic concept of Unix the same as Linux? Is it whole different architecture?

2) Is Apple based on Unix or Linux?

3) If Apple is based on either, would you be able to learn the basic concepts of Unix by getting a Apple computer or do I need to get a whole new computer with just Linux on it?


Any info would be appreciated


Cheers

[doctorgonzo]

1) Linux is based on Unix. It was meant to be a free, open-source replacement for Unix, because technically Unix is still a proprietary OS and I think somebody owns it somewhere.

2) The OS X kernel is also based on Unix I believe, either directly or through some other step. This (http://www.kernelthread.com/mac/osx/) website looks like it could give you the whole story in minute detail if you are interested.

3) Getting a Mac probably isn't the best way to learn *NIX. Although the kernel itself is based in some version, it's hidden away by the graphics and other prettifying that Apple is known for. I believe you can get down into the kernel if you really want to, but on a Mac, most things are done graphically. If you want to learn *NIX, you need the command line.

Your best option is to simply download a distribution of Linux and install it on a spare PC you have lying around. You don't even have to get rid of Windows; you can dual-boot.

[Metamorphousthe]

I would agree with doctorgonzo that the best way to cheaply learn Unix is to try a Linux distro and work on the command line area of it.

You said that your company is moving to a Unix "based" system. Does this mean Unix itself or an offshoot like a BSD system? If a BSD system, then try for FreeBSD or OpenBSD.

The OSX kernel if a proprietary version based off of BSD which is also a *nix kernel. OSX has released the kernel as open-source under Darwin.

The Unix kernel is currently the property of Novell which releases a Linux distro called SUSE.

[MakeYourslf2012]

You can refer to the Intalling Ubuntu Linux article posted on the PC Mech main page - it lays it out very simply. I was thinking about doing this just for fun.

This would probably be the best way to get familar with that OS. No book can teach you hands on experience.

[viperpa33s]

Thanks for all your replys.

They are going to be using UNIX itself version 5.3. They are partially using it now but want to go full steam with it. I don't have a spare pc laying around unfortunately to put Linux on but I will see putting it on my main pc.

When I thought Unix, Apple came to mind but I can see as what you guys say it would be better to get Linux itself.

Are there any good books I can reference to that you know of?


Thanks Again


Cheers

[MakeYourslf2012]

You don't need a different PC to do it, all you need is a spare HD that you can put in your current system. From there, you install the Linux OS on the cheap spare HD and have the option of dual booting into Linux and Windows.

[flawedreality5]

I think a Live Linux distro would be easiest. No chance you'd screw up the hard drive because there's no installation. I used the book "Unix: Second Edition" by Deborah S. Ray and Eric J. Ray for my Advanced Networking course I took. It's a good beginners book I thought.

[viperpa33s]

You don't need a different PC to do it, all you need is a spare HD that you can put in your current system. From there, you install the Linux OS on the cheap spare HD and have the option of dual booting into Linux and Windows.

I already have a spare 200 gig hard drive on my main pc, so will use that.....thanks for the info


I used the book "Unix: Second Edition" by Deborah S. Ray and Eric J. Ray for my Advanced Networking course I took. It's a good beginners book I thought.

I will look for that book, thanks for the tip.


Cheers