There are lots of similarities between different versions of UNIX.
But it's almost impossible to write a book that covers every detail of
every version correctly.
Where we know there might be big differences or problems, we'll
print a note in the text.
Other places, we're forced to use "weasel words" like "Some versions of
xxxxxx will do..." without telling you exactly
which
versions.
When you see those weasel words, what can you do?
-
If the command or feature won't destroy anything when it doesn't work,
try it!
For instance, don't experiment with
rm
, the command that removes
files.
But
cat
, a command that shows files, most likely won't hurt anything
if some feature we tell you about doesn't work with your version.
-
Look at the
online
manual (
50.1
)
or check your
vendor's
latest
printed manuals.
Even these can be wrong.
For instance, your system administrator may
have installed a local version of a command that works differently-but
not updated the online documentation.
(The
which
(
50.8
)
and
whereiz
(
4.10
)
commands, along with some knowledge about
the organization of your filesystem
can help you find this out yourself.)
Be careful with "generic" manuals, the kind you buy at a bookstore;
there are a lot of versions of UNIX and the manual may not match your
version closely enough.
-
Ask your system administrator or another "guru" for help before you use
a command that might be dangerous.
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