Date: Wed, 08 Feb 1995 13:45:55 EST From: "Rob Slade, Social Convener to the Net" Subject: "Unix Unbound" by Hahn BKUNXUNB.RVW 950103 "Open Computing: UNIX Unbound", Hahn, 1994, 0-07-882050-2, U$27.95 %A Harley Hahn %C 2600 Tenth St., Berkeley, CA 94710 %D 1994 %G 0-07-882050-2 %I Osborne McGraw-Hill %O U$27.95 510-548-2805 800-227-0900 lkissing@osborne.mhs.compuserve.com %P 792 %S Open Computing %T "Open Computing: UNIX Unbound" That UNIX is still seen as a "techie" system is evident in the number of "introductory" guides which are only technical references. "Learning the UNIX Operating System" (cf: BKLRNUNX.RVW) is well organized and written, but gets the user only to the very beginning of UNIX functionality. With "UNIX Unbound", Hahn has provided readable explanations (and interesting sidebars), and a very complete overview of the system, including the basics, X, utilities, man, shells, communications, networks, mail, redirection, editors, the file system and many other bits and pieces. Hahn is *not* interested in a quick and dirty introduction to Unix. He wants to present not only the Unix culture, but an almost mystical appreciation for the OS. How well this works for the individual reader is going to be very subjective, but the early chapters may be a bit bemusing. The tutorial value of the material is good, but an initial "Here is enough to get you started," section is missing. On the other hand, a quick perusal of the entire book would take no more than a day, and should give a good understanding of the system as a whole. I would not hesitate to recommend this as a guide, either for the UNIX neophyte, or to the current user who is having trouble grasping "the UNIX way". Hahn's affection for both the operating system and the UNIX newcomer are well evident, and make this a superior work. copyright Robert M. Slade, 1995 BKUNXUNB.RVW 950103 ============== Vancouver ROBERTS@decus.ca | "A modern US Navy cruiser now requires Institute for Robert_Slade@sfu.ca | 26 tons of manuals. This is enough Research into rslade@cue.bc.ca | to affect the vessel's performance." User p1@CyberStore.ca | "New Scientist" article Security Canada V7K 2G6 | on the "paperless office"