Chapter 3 UNIX Basics

Table of Contents
3.1 Synopsis
3.2 Virtual Consoles and Terminals
3.3 Permissions
3.4 Directory Structure
3.5 Disk Organization
3.6 Mounting and Unmounting File Systems
3.7 Processes
3.8 Daemons, Signals, and Killing Processes
3.9 Shells
3.10 Text Editors
3.11 Devices and Device Nodes
3.12 Binary Formats
3.13 For More Information

Rewritten by Chris Shumway.

3.1 Synopsis

The following chapter will cover the basic commands and functionality of the FreeBSD operating system. Much of this material is relevant for any UNIX® like operating system. Feel free to skim over this chapter if you are familiar with the material. If you are new to FreeBSD, then you will definitely want to read through this chapter carefully.

After reading this chapter, you will know:

How to use the ``virtual consoles'' of FreeBSD.
How UNIX file permissions work.
The default FreeBSD file system layout.
The FreeBSD disk organization.
How to mount and unmount file systems.
What processes, daemons, and signals are.
What a shell is, and how to change your default login environment.
How to use basic text editors.
What devices and device nodes are.
What binary format is used under FreeBSD.
How to read manual pages for more information.