The Mac OS X Command Line: Unix Under the Hood

Most Mac Users are content to use their Apple product as it stands alone with the standard user interface. However, for those who want to use the power "under the hood", there are a few good references to help you. This is one of them. Well written, clearly organized and pertinent to the needs of any user attracted to its description of being a reference to a rather specialized field of expertise. Apple makes a good product and the more you understand the details of what is "under the hood", the more you will find value in becoming conversant with that hidden power.I write this fully aware that the majority of users don't need that power, and for them the standard user interface one sees when the computer cpver is opened is probably all they need. But, for the "power user", this book will be a welcome investment into a much deeper world.

Not to complicated of a read, good quality book

I've been a casual Unix user for years but have only recently started using Unix within Mac OS X. It's been a struggle for me to figure out how to edit my PATH in a way that would stick, so that the PATH would be correct when I start Terminal. This book had the answers to that dilemma! In addition, this book taught me several tricks that I've seen experienced Unix users utilize. So now I can adopt those same time and memory saving approaches. I'm thrilled with this book!

I picked up this book in order to have a basic reference of OSX's terminal. I wasn't disappointed with the introduction and its reasoning as to "why you should buy this book and read it"; however, I felt disappointed in it as a reference.After working through it, I did have a greater knowledge of the terminal. However, most terminal commands, whether they be file manipulation or OS/application manipulation - are going to be things that a person refers to on a case-by-case basis. In other words, it's almost impossible to have every single command memorized.Thus, I'd resort to trying to use it as a reference later on... and just found that it's clunky. What would take me a few minutes to find on Google would take me at least ten, if not more, time to find in this book.In short: It's great for an introduction to Unix on OSX, but I'd recommend trying something else if you just want a reference book of commands.

I remember the old days when I had to learn the MS-DOS command line back in the 80s to control my computer. I recently purchased a used MacBook Pro and wanted to regain that type of control over my computer, while learning about the Unix/OS X system. This was the book for me to do that. I will probably go beyond this as I hope to build on this information and move to using LInux.This was the way for me to start the journey and I'm happy with my choice.

Nothing else to add after the intro line. This is a great book and a great investment. The information is accurate and concise and allowed me to perform tasks that had been 'out of bounds' using other means. I'm sure there are other titles available for those who can readily understand the command line, but for a layperson such as myself it is well worth the outlay.

Good command line reference

This book is a great command line reference manual to have around while using the Mac OS X Terminal Window. Great coverage of an example of using the ditto command to backup a volume, and another great example of using the bless command to make the backup bootable.