1.3 Knowing Your Machine

1.3 Knowing Your Machine


Unlike DOS and Windows, UNIX can be used by several users concurrently. In other words, a single copy of the operating system installed on disk can serve the needs of hundreds of users. If you have access to such a multi-user system, then in all probability you’ll be sitting with just a terminal or monitor, and a keyboard. Like you, there will be others working on similar terminals. The rest of the equipment will probably be located in a separate room with restricted access. In this arrangement, you are expected to hook on to your account, do your work, disconnect and leave quietly.

Things are quite different, however, when you are the sole user of the system. This could happen of you work on a desktop machine that has its own CPU (the Central Processor Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory—the memory), hard disk, floppy and CD-ROM drives, printer and the controllers of these devices. If you own the machine, you are directly responsible for its start-up, shutdown and maintenance. If you lose a file, it’s your job to get it from a backup. If things don’t work properly, you have to try all possible means to set them right before you decide to call the maintenance person.

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