Unix Class - HELP!

[ghost_of_war]

I am learning Unix in class and flat my, our instructor sucks. He doesn't explain anything too well and then plopped this assignment on us and I am clueless as to what he is speaking of. I attached the file in hope someone can maybe better explain it to me - for example, the tilde command and what does it do?

[ZeratulsAvenger]

~ isnt a command I dont think. I was sure it is a representation of of the present directory. Maybe I am wrong on that though since I am just pulling that off of something in my head that could be making it up , hope it's right though

EDIT: Hmmm... Guess I was kinda wrong

~user
1. On UNIX, a home directory can be referenced by using a tilde (~) followed by their login name. For example, "ls ~rob" on my computer will list all the files in "/home/rob". Key point: Web-servers often allow access to user's directories this way. An example would be http://www.robertgraham.com/~rob. Key point: A big hole on the Internet is that people unexpectedly open up information. For example, the file .bash_history is a hidden file in a person's directory that contains the complete text of all commands they've entered into the shell (assuming their shell is bash, which is the most popular one on Linux). From Hacking-Lexicon

[ghost_of_war]

That seems to make more sense than what I was going for. Thanks my friend........

[Statica]

Its bad enough that you don't even take the time to ask doubts of questions on here, rather than attaching your assignment sheet - complete with your instructor's email address and submission method; it's pretty apparent that you havent taken the time to RESEARCH out the answers out there. The reason for the assignment (and the course) is for you to do some study of yourself to learn the switches for the different commands.

[ghost_of_war]

I simply asked for quick help Statica, I didn't need your damn attitude........

[tcappert]

The assignment given is quite fundamental, but I can see why you are confused if the instructor isn't instructing!
All commands needed can be found at unix.about.com
If you're using Solaris, you should be enrolled in Sun's Learning Academy through your school. These on line lessons are priceless & will help you greatly. Sun's Web site will answer many questions you may have even if you aren't enrolled.
You can do alot of homework on a Linux box because some of the commands are the same. I recommend buying a used UNIX system through an on-line auction which will make your life allot easier. I paid $225.00 for a Sun Ultra 10 with Solaris 9 and it was well worth every penny and helped me complete UNIX fundamentals and admin 1 for the Sun Certified System Admin Cert.
Hang in there and there are always UNIX types out there to help. It seems confusing now, but with the right tools you'll learn allot quickly.
Basic stuff needed from assignment:
pwd- present working directory
ls -a displays hidden files
To view the .txt file use more (file name)
cat (file name)
head (file name)
tail (file name)
cd will always return you to home directory
permissions- chmod for existing files
umask for files created in future
Good Luck!
To quote Dennis Richie the UNIX OS creator:
"UNIX is basically a simple operating system, but you have to be a genious to understand the simplicity"

[Floppyman]

I'm glad your instructor is starting out with teaching you all these commands. I think with any *NIX OS you won't really realize it's power and potential until you become comfortable with the command line and stop pointing and clicking. HTH

[LocoCoyote]

I have always found that the best way to learn something *nix in particular is to just play with it.
Use google to find helpful sites and use the man command (ie man ls ). One thing I love about *nix...there is tons of online documentation and most of it is already on your box!
I have to agree a bit with statica...try it first, do some research yoou will get more out of it that way!
Good Luck.