UNIX Tutorial


This tutorial comprises fourteen sections, each of which addresses a fundamental aspect of UNIX computing. It concentrates on illustrating the central concepts by providing short explanations, along with examples, and exercises.

Basic Unix

What Is UNIX?

A broad description of the UNIX operating system.

Logging In and Logging Out

Gaining access to your UNIX account.

The UNIX Shell

How to enter UNIX commands.

Files and Directories

Storing and manipulating files.

Getting help on Unix

How to access the on-line manuals.

Quick reference to basic Unix commands

Intermediate Unix

Input/Output Redirection

How to manage input and output.

Pipelines and Filters

Creating and processing pipelines.

Processes and Multitasking

Managing processes.

Interaction and Job Control

More on managing processes.

Text Editing with Emacs

Creating and editing text files with the emacs editor.

The Execution Environment

The environment under which shell commands and programs run.

Customizing the Shell

Personalizing your UNIX shell environment.

Interactive Use of the Shell

Tips and tricks to enhance your efficiency with the command line interface.

The UNIX Filesystem

A closer look at UNIX files and directories.


Acknowledgement: This tutorial has been written by Jonathan Byrd at the Idaho State University Computer Center and slightly modified by Mirela Damian.