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Why Unix?
D
o you need to know Unix to effectively use the Net?
Effectively is the operative word here. Anyone can bop about.
I believe you do need some knowledge of Unix, for the following reasons:
- We are using a Unix machine for Net access. For example, to put a
HTML page up you need to manipulate files on this machine.
- Many of the machines on the Net use Unix. Unix is just below the
surface waiting to bite. You download a file with the extension .gz. Then
what?
- Unix disciplines are universal. An understanding of Unix supports an
understanding of operating systems in general.
- The Net is changing so rapidly that the only way to keep up is to
understand fundamentals. Unix is certainly a fundamental.
- To keep from getting ripped off when buying new computer stuff.
Just knowing the language helps.
- To be able to solve problems when the boss says "On my desk by lunch".
"But I don't know how to Telnet" is probably not what she wants to hear.
To be sure much of the connection between Net issues and Unix is indirect.
None the less it is important. To use an analogy. What do you need to know
to drive a car? You do not need to be a mechanic, certainly. You do need to
know the rules of the road however. Unix represents these rules for computing
in general and for the Net in particular. Again the car analogy. You're no mechanic,
but it is nice to know that it might be the $10 thermostat rather than a $500 radiator
core when you limp into the service station with the engine overheating.
A source for things Unix:
Unix Help
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