Systems Management Under Unix and Unix-like Systems

This book is essentially for people who have a reasonable knowledge of computing and some knowledge of UNIX or UNIX-like systems, and who are responsible for the management or administration of a multi-user micro-computing system. The authors aim was to present the reader with the information that is essential to have in order to manage a UNIX or UNIX-like system in a non-technical but complete form. In addition, the underlying concepts behind the procedures are explained on the principle that not only should the system manager know what to do, but also why the procedures are being carried out. There is no attempt in this book to delve into the technicalities of the command structures in UNIX. During the last four or five years, the terms, system administration and system management, have undergone a change in meaning. One factor behind this change has been the advent of powerful micro-computers which has changed the traditional patterns of responsibility and staffing within computer departments. This book has been written to give an insight into the activities which now come under the heading of system management.
In particular, it is concerned with system management on computer systems which run under either the UNIX operating system or similar operating systems. The Majority of the ideas and concepts, however, are equally applicable to all types of microcomputer installations.