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.