How to learn UNIX

UNIX is a family of computer operating systems that was first developed in the 1970s. 

UNIX has been under constant development ever since. UNIX provides a Graphical User Interface as Microsoft Windows operation system does thus making it easier for the user. However, more knowledge may be needed in cases not covered by a graphical program. UNIX has different versions although they have similarities, the most popular are GNU/LINUX, Sun Solaris, and MacOS X. The UNIX operating system is made up of several parts; The kernel, the shell and the programs. The best way to learn UNIX is to use it. Here are some steps that you can use to learn UNIX;

Get access to a UNIX system

This is the first step to learning UNIX. You can also set it up on your computer as it can run from a USB storage or on DVD. You can also access it by setting up a virtual system which is easy to use as you can cancel it anytime you want and start again. You can also try running Ubuntu on Microsoft windows [Windows 10] which give you the ability to run UNIX commands while still running Windows.

Get yourself some basic commands

This can be easily done by downloading basic commands from the internet. Also called ‘cheat sheets’ they help you to try out some of the basic UNIX commands before you make your own. Always take some time to try out and run the commands that you can get.

Learn how to use pipe and redirection features

Familiarise yourself with the concept of sending data from one command to the next, how to select data, how to print and understand the power of commands. Pipes facilitate the output of a command to be the input of another command redirection takes the output and writes it to a file.

Know the file permissions

Run commands to check your file details including file links, file size, owner, date made and a list of permissions, this enables you to know what to execute and how to do it.

Try scripting

Put commands in a file and make the file executable, this will help you to discover more options beyond simple commands. You can use scripts to run tests and generate an output based on the results of a test.

Read UNIX books

This provides comprehensive information on the structures and properties of UNIX on different levels, Beginner books will give you information on the introduction and basic commands after which you can proceed to more advanced stages.

Take a class and watch tutorials

You can also join an online class or watch video tutorials on video platforms like YouTube to get more knowledge on what to do in different cases. There are also platforms where people share their knowledge online in real time, you should also feel free to ask questions if you are stuck as there are people willing to help and don’t forget to have fun.