Mac OS X for Unix Geeks

Book excerpt: So, you're one of the many, the proud... the Unix geeks who've "switched" to Mac OS X. Although hacking code on the Mac is the same as hacking code on other Unix systems, you're bound to run into some problems because of the subtle differences between the Unix you're accustomed to and how things are done in Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar). Mac OS X for Unix Geeks was written by two long-time Unix users who've found themselves exactly where you are. It cuts through the chaff and gets right to the point on such topics as : • Using the Terminal and understanding how it differs from an xterm • Using Directory Services, Open Directory (LDAP), and NetInfo • Compiling code with GCC 3 • Library linking and porting Unix software • Creating and installing packages with Fink • Building the Darwin kernel • Running X Windows on top of Mac OS X This quick and dirty guide continues with an overview of Mac OS X's filesystem and startup processes, wrapping up with a handy reference section called the "Missing Manpages", covering Mac OS X commandline utilities not in the official documentation. Mac OS X is quickly becoming the platform of choice for Unix hackers and geeks, because it gives you what Tim O'Reilly refers to as "guilt-free computing"- a Unix system that you don't have to share with Windows. If you proudly wear the badge "Unix Geek", this book is your guide to demystifying the geekier side of Mac OS X.