Introduction to UNIX/Linux

Users of our supercomputing systems often encounter repeated difficulties in their computational work due to a weak understanding of the Unix operating system and its user interface.

To help users close this gap, the Supercomputing Facility offers an introductory course to Unix/Linux during each semester.

Open to anyone on campus who is interested in learning the basic concepts behind the Unix operating system, or just how to correctly and effectively use it to make everyday's computing tasks a bit easier, this course is delivered in an interactive format — the instructor will tour the Unix operating system using a live terminal, making sure each new concept is well understood before moving on to the next.

The course is structured as 6 two-hour interactive lectures, distributed over three days within a single week. Given the short amount of time available, continued attendance is strongly recommended.

A typical outline of the topics covered in the Introduction to Unix/Linux short course is provided below. Because of the interactive nature of this course, some of the topics listed below may be introduced in a different order and covered to different depths.

• Day 1
  • Exploring the system, typing at the terminal
  • Common commands
  • Basics of the Unix filesystem
  • I/O: input, output, error
  • What is a process?
  • Process communication: signals
• Day 2
  • Files, filenames and directories
  • What are your permissions?
  • Searching for inodes
  • Devices: the Unix workforce
• Day 3
  • The command line (line of command?)
  • Metacharacters — be concise!
  • Environment variables: customize your shell
  • Filters — is all this necessary?
  • Your own commands: make yourself at home

Additional materials are also available for reference:

• Unix Quick Reference (Course handouts)
• Course Slides from Previous Semesters
• A Basic Guide to Unix
• Basic Unix Commands
• UNIX Tutorial for Beginners