0.6. About Unix Versions
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 XXX 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, probably won't
hurt anything if some feature doesn't work with your version.
-
Look at the online manual or check your
vendor's latest printed manuals. However, 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. Be
careful with "generic" manuals, the
kind you buy at a bookstore; there are lots 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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