X417.31 - Introduction to Linux/Unix
David Morgan
Welcome
I am enthusiastic about linux. Because you chose to join this course you must be too. Good to have you here. It should be fun.
Course Particulars
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Prerequisites |
Basic computer experience on any system. Programming experience is helpful but not required. |
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Required textbook |
A Practical Guide to Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Sixth Edition, Mark Sobell, Prentice Hall, 2012, ISBN: 978-0-13-275727-0 Seventh Edition |
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Catalog description |
This hands-on laboratory course covers the main features of linux and unix. An installation demonstrates the operating system’s role in the PC context, among BIOS, bootloader, system and application programs, and other co-installed operating systems. Linux offers a wide variey of character and graphical user interfaces. We study a main example of each: the bash shell and the X window system. Under bash, we learn the mainstream commands in the rich set offered. The shell script programming language, built into bash, is exercised with a small programming project. Under X, at least two different window managers (GUIs) are installed and run. We study the fork/exec mechanism by which processes are spawned, and the utilities that manage them. The filesystem, in the senses of both underlying data structures and file hierarchy built upon them, are studied in detail. Students learn to compile simple programs as a method to install applications delivered as open-source. This course prepares students for separate specialized follow-on courses in linux/unix system administration, networking, and security. |
Grading
A=90% B=80% C=70% D=60%
Percentages are approximate. Grade determination can also depend on non-numeric factors and is ultimately at my discretion. There will be a mix of homework and examinations. Each will be weighted, and the weighted average used to determine course grade.
Website – http://dmorgan1.bol.ucla.edu/linuxclasses.html I will make extensive use of this website to communicate with you. You are responsible for awareness of the information posted there, e.g., announcements, grade reports, assignments. Access the website from any internet-connected browser.
Makeup work – Assignments: not accepted after due date. Makeup tests: will not be given.
Missing assignments – far more damaging to an artithmetic average than poor assignments. “D” or “F” is worth 50 or 60 points; “missing” assignment is worth 0. F is far better than zero. Turn in something rather than nothing.
To reach me outside class:
Other books worth special recommendation:
Understanding Unix/Linux Programming: A Guide To Theory and Practice, Bruce Molay, Prentice Hall, 2003
Linux Administration Handbook Evi Nemeth, Trent H. Hein, Garth Snyder
Prentice Hall, 2nd edition, Estimated Publication Date April 2005
Fedora 10 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Christopher Negus, Wiley, Paperback,
2009
Learning Red Hat Enterprise Linux & Fedora, Bill McCarty, O'Reilly & Associates, April 2004
UNIX Unbounded: A Beginning Approach (4th Edition), Amir Afzal, Prentice Hall, October 2002
Beginning Linux Programming (3rd Edition), Neil Matthew and Richard Stones, Wrox Press, December 2003
(or success
UNIX Shells by Example, Ellie Quigley, Prentice Hall, Paperback, September 2004