Introducing UNIX and Linux

The Computing Environment

Overview
What is a Computer?
Hardware
      Processors
      Input Devices
      Output Devices
Software
      Input and Characters
            Control Characters
      Application Programs
            Programming Languages
      The Operating System
      System Administration
History of UNIX and Linux
Conventions
Summary

Conventions

Several different fonts are used in this book. Bold face is used when names or concepts are first introduced, and occasionally for emphasis. When dialogue with a machine is displayed, fixed width font is used for messages the UNIX system prints, and (bold) keyboard font for instructions typed by a user. If a word that would normally appear in such a dialogue appears in the text, fixed width font is again used.

For most purposes in the book, the words 'UNIX' and 'Linux' are interchangeable, and unless otherwise stated use of the word 'UNIX' should be understood as meaning 'UNIX or Linux'.