Learning Unix for Mac OS X Tiger

Mac OS X Tiger: Missing Manual

Mac OS X Tiger Pocket Guide (Pocket References)

Unix

Mac OS X Tiger for Unix Geeks

Format: Paperback
Author: Brian Jepson
ReleaseDate: 01 June, 2005
Publisher: O'Reilly Media
Rating:

Excellent book for the Mac Geek
I have been scripting on Linux and Unix machines for years and this is a great book for those who like working under the hood. I was a bit worried that the book would be more for beginners, but have been pleasantly surprised.

An advanced index to Tiger Unix
Even if you are a Unix geek the book is of potentially less value than you might expect. This book isn't for the average geek - if you're a geek but not a UNIX geek then don't buy this book.. . so let me adjust your expectations a bit.

Short and simple: it isn't a "Tiger Unix Bible". The majority of topics are just touched on or in many cases merely mentioned.

It also isn't a detailed coverage of Unix topics specific to Tiger. Apple has quite a few technologies of their own that they have woven into this flavor of UNIX. One might think that the book would cover at least those in depth. Nope. Even 10. 4 specific topics that would be new to a 10. 3 geek are typically "mentioned in depth". Assuming knowledge of Unix is one thing - but this book seems bent on assuming knowledge of the very topics it intends to introduce. That's probably just a fancy way of saying it covers a lot of geeky topics rather lightly.

If you're a true Unix geek you know how to deceipher man pages, hit all the usual blogs and find the information that's missing. And it's a lot easier to do if you know what the topics, commands and keywords are that you need to look at. For pointing me in the right direction I've found this book useful. Just don't expect more.

Excellent
Very helpful. Excellent. And even if you are a real geek who prefers to look up the man pages, or consult mailing list archives, you shouldn't dismiss this book too quickly. It covers the basics and goes on to less obvious matters. No matter how expert you already are, the chance is high that you shall find a great deal of useful material here. .