Mac OS X for UNIX Geeks, 4th Edition
Edition: Mac OS X for UNIX Geeks is a technical guide to Unix tasks in Mac OS X, covering Leopard and Tiger. It is aimed at developers and system administrators who want to understand how Mac OS X differs from traditional Unix.
At a glance
- Explains differences between Mac OS X's Unix environment and more traditional Unix systems.
- Covers the Terminal, Directory Services, Open Directory and NetInfo.
- Topics include GCC 4, the Fink and MacPorts software tools, Spotlight command-line utilities and building the Darwin kernel.
- The listing says its coverage includes Leopard and Tiger.
Reference price: $66.50
Price checked: 13 Nov 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Connects Mac-specific tools and services to familiar Unix tasks for readers crossing between the environments.
- Its topic range spans shell use, software porting and system-level work.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | O'Reilly Media |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 28 October 2008 |
| Edition | 4th ed. |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 426 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 059652062X |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0596520625 |
| Weight listed | 572 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 15.24 x 2.79 x 22.86 cm |
What to know before buying
- The technical material is specifically framed around Leopard and Tiger. Readers working with newer macOS releases should confirm that the instructions remain applicable to their setup.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Developers and system administrators familiar with Unix who need a guide to Mac OS X's Unix environment.
- Readers interested in compiling code, porting Unix programs or using Mac-specific directory services.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking an up-to-date guide to current macOS releases or a general beginner's introduction to computing.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
53% 53% - 4 stars
17% 17% - 3 stars
10% 10% - 2 stars
9% 9% - 1 star
11% 11%
Aggregate ratings are mixed, with five-star ratings forming the largest group but a substantial spread across lower ratings. This limited rating snapshot gives no explanation for the differences, so it cannot establish whether the book's age or technical coverage suited individual readers.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mac OS X versions does the book cover?
The listing describes coverage of Leopard and Tiger. It does not establish that the instructions apply to later macOS releases.
What topics are covered?
Listed topics include Terminal use, directory services, GCC 4, porting Unix programs with Fink, installing open-source software with MacPorts, Spotlight command-line utilities and building the Darwin kernel.
Who is this book intended for?
The listing positions it for developers and system administrators with Unix familiarity who want to understand Mac OS X's differences from traditional Unix.
