UNIX Assignment 1
UNIX Assignment 1
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Q1. Explain the history and development of the UNIX operating system.
Ansr :-
History:-
Unixooperating systems were originally developed in the 1960s and 1970s at Bell
Labs (AT&T). The Full Form of UNIX (also referred to as UNICS) is Uniplexed
d
Information Computing System. A highly popular and multitasking Operating
system, launched in 1969, UNIX is powerful. Unix is regarded as one of the most
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powerful operating systems, due to its portability and usage in almost all kinds of
environments, ranging from micro to supercomputers.
c
Development:-
i Ossanna.
There are various Unix variants available in the market. Solaris Unix, AIX, HP
oUnix and BSD are few examples. Linux is also a flavor of Unix which is freely
available.
nSeveral people can use a UNIX computer at the same time; hence UNIX is
t called a multi user system.
A user can also run multiple programs at the same time; hence UNIX is called
omultitasking
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Q2 NDifferentiate between UNIX, Linux, and GNU operating systems.
AnsI:- UNIX
Origin: UNIX is a family of multitasking, multiuser computer operating systems that
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derive from the original AT&T Unix, developed in the 1970s at the Bell Labs research
center.
:
Ownership: Historically, UNIX was proprietary, meaning it was developed and sold
by AT&T and later various other vendors.
Standards: UNIX systems conform to various standards such as Single UNIX
Specification, POSIX (Portable Operating System Interface), etc.
Variants: The UNIX operating system has several variants, including Solaris, AIX,
HP-UX, and others.
Linux
Kernel: The Linux kernel is the core of the Linux operating system and is released
under the GNU General Public License.
GNU
Origin: GNU, which stands for "GNU's Not Unix," is an operating system composed
entirely of free software. It was initiated by Richard Stallman in 1983 with the goal of
creating a completely free and open-source Unix-like operating system.
Key Differences
Ownership: UNIX was historically proprietary, while Linux and GNU are open-
source.
Origins: UNIX is a family of operating systems with a long history, while Linux and
GNU were developed more recently.
Licensing: UNIX systems may have different licensing terms, while Linux and GNU
are typically distributed under open-source licenses.
1. Hardware
I/O Devices
Central processing Unit
Memory
Networking components such as LAN cards, cables, routers, and switches are also
considered part of the hardware.
2. Kernel
The kernel is the heart of the operating system. It is defined as a nucleus of the
operating system that manages all the resources and gets the task performed by the
desired hardware.
It interacts with hardware and most of the tasks like memory management, tash
scheduling and file management.
2. It schedules processes fairly for execution on the CPU. The processes share the
CPU in a time-shared manner. The CPU executes a process; the kernel suspends it
when its time quantum elapses and schedules another process to be executed.
Later, the kernel reschedules the suspended process.
3. It allocates the main memory for an executing process. The kernel enables
processes to share portions of their address space under certain conditions, but
protects the private address space of a process from outside tampering.
3. Shell
A shell acts as an interface between a user and a kernel. The kernel does not know
human language, hence the shell accepts the commands from the user and converts
them into a language that the kernel can understand.
There are two major parts of a shell. The first is the interpreter. The interpreter
reads out commands and works with the kernel to execute them. The second part
of the shell is a programming capability that enables us to write a shell
(command) script.
Mainly four types of shells are available in the Unix operating system:
Tools and applications are built-in modules within unix that are used by the operating system
to perform the tasks assigned by the user. These are available in the form of libraries and add
special capabilities to the operating system.
The tools and utilities are categorized on the basis of the kind of tasks they perform.
For example, file utilities do the tasks related to files: breaking text files into pieces,
combining text files together, and sorting their contents.
Other utilities such as grep, sed, and awk help in filtering or searching the desired content
from the files. Some of the most commonly used file-related Unix utilities are as follows:
1. cp: Copying files
Q4 List and explain the key features of UNIX that make it a powerful and widely
used operating system.
Ans:-
1. Multiuser Capability:
2. Multitasking:
3. Multithreading:
4. Portability:
7. Networking Capabilities:
8. Security Model:
UNIX has a robust security model that includes user authentication, file
permissions, and process isolation. Users have specific permissions for
accessing files and directories, enhancing the overall security of the system.
UNIX systems are known for their stability and reliability. The separation of the
kernel from user processes contributes to system stability, and UNIX systems
can run for long periods without requiring a reboot.
10. Scalability:
The UNIX philosophy emphasizes the use of small, single-purpose tools that
can be combined to perform complex tasks. This modularity promotes
simplicity, ease of maintenance, and extensibility.
13. documentation:
UNIX systems are known for their comprehensive documentation. Man pages
(manual pages) provide detailed information about commands, system calls,
and configuration files, aiding users and administrators in understanding and
utilizing the system effectively.
Q5 What is POSIX? How does it relate to UNIX standards?
Ans:-
POSIX, which stands for Portable Operating System Interface, is a family of standards
specified by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) to ensure
compatibility and interoperability between operating systems. POSIX standards are designed
to promote portability of code across UNIX-like operating systems and to facilitate
application development for these systems.
Ans
The Single UNIX Specification holds significant importance in the UNIX
environment due to its role in standardizing the UNIX system and
promoting interoperability and compatibility across UNIX-based operating
systems.
Significance
The Single UNIX Specification has evolved over time to encompass new
features and technologies, ensuring that it remains relevant in the ever-
changing landscape of computing and IT.
Efficiency: Since they are built into the shell, internal commands execute
more quickly than external commands, as they do not require the
overhead of creating a new process.
External Commands
Examples: External commands include utilities like ls, grep, awk, and
user-defined scripts or programs.
1. Command Structure:
o A UNIX command consists of three main components:
Command: The actual action or task you want to perform (e.g., ls, mkdir,
who).
Options (Flags): These modify the behavior of the command. They usually
start with a hyphen (-) or double hyphen (--) and provide additional
functionality (e.g., -l, --help).
Arguments: These are the specific inputs or targets for the command. They
follow the command and options (e.g., filenames, directory paths).
2. Example:
o Let’s break down the ls -l /home command:
Command: ls (list files and directories).
Option: -l (long format, displays detailed information).
Argument: /home (directory path to list).
3. Execution:
o When you type a command in a terminal window, the following happens:
The shell (command interpreter) interprets your input.
It searches for the specified command in system directories.
If found, it loads the command into memory.
The shell then passes any options and arguments to the command.
The command executes, performing the desired action (e.g., listing files,
creating directories).
Q9 What is "man browsing" in UNIX? How are manual pages useful for users?
Certainly! Let’s explore manual pages in UNIX and understand how they benefit users.
1. Manual Pages?
o A man page (short for manual page) is a form of software documentation usually
found on Unix or Unix-like operating systems.
o These pages provide detailed information about various commands, utilities, system
calls, and other topics related to the operating system.
o Users can access man pages using the man command.
ANS. In the context of the UNIX file system, the parent-child relationship
refers to the hierarchical structure that organizes files and directories.
The root directory (/) acts as the parent to all other files and
directories in the system. It has no parent itself.
Directories within the root directory are children of the root.
Files and subdirectories within those directories
become children of those directories, and so on, forming a
branching structure.
Think of it like a family tree: parents have children, who can themselves
become parents to future generations.
ANS. In the UNIX environment, the HOME variable plays a crucial role in
several aspects of user interaction and system functionality. Here's why
it's significant:
1. User's Default Directory:
4. Environment Variable:
2. cd (change directory):
ANS
Absolute Pathname:
Starts with the root directory (/) and specifies the entire path step-
by-step, traveling down the directory hierarchy to reach the target.
Think of it like an exact address, starting from the root of the street
system (/) and mentioning each street and building number until
you reach the specific location.
Example: /home/username/Documents/myfile.txt
Advantages:
o Universally identifies the location regardless of your current
working directory.
o More precise and unambiguous when you need to pinpoint a
specific file anywhere in the system.
Disadvantages:
o Can be lengthy and cumbersome to type, especially for deeply
nested directories.
o Becomes inflexible if you change your working directory
frequently.
Relative Pathname:
Starts from the current working directory and mentions the steps
needed to reach the target relative to that location.
Think of it like giving directions from your current position to a
friend, using landmarks or relative positions instead of the full
address.
Example: ./Documents/myfile.txt (assuming you're already in your
home directory)
Advantages:
o Shorter and easier to type, especially if you're working within
the same directory structure.
o More adaptable and efficient when your current working
directory is relevant.
Disadvantages:
o Relies on the current working directory, so the same path
might point to different locations depending on where you are.
o Can be ambiguous if the target is outside the current directory
structure or requires navigating upwards.
5. Provide examples of when you would use an
absolute pathname versus a relative pathname.
ANS. Situations for Absolute Pathnames:
ANS. The hierarchical file system structure in UNIX plays a significant role
in organizing and streamlining resource management, contributing to the
overall efficiency of the operating system. Here are some key ways it
achieves this:
Organization:
Efficiency:
Additional Benefits:
Each directory can have its own set of permissions, dictating who
can access, modify, or even view its contents. This granular control
protects sensitive data and ensures system stability by restricting
unauthorized modifications. Just as security doors control access to
specific areas in a building, directory permissions regulate file
access.
ANS. The UNIX file system implements a robust access control system
based on file permissions. These permissions dictate who can read,
write, or execute files and directories, ensuring data security, system
stability, and user accountability. Here's a breakdown of the key
elements:
Permissions Breakdown:
Owner: Defines the user who created the file's access rights.
Group: Specifies the group of users who share access rights with
the owner.
Others: Represents all other users on the system not included in
the owner or group.
Representation:
Read = 4
Write = 2
Execute = 1
Setting Permissions:
The chmod command allows changing file permissions. You can specify
permissions either numerically (e.g., chmod 744 file.txt) or symbolically
(e.g., chmod u+w file.txt to grant write permission to the owner).
Additional Control:
Sticky bit (t): Prevents users from deleting or renaming files they
don't own within a directory with this bit set.
Setuid (s) and Setgid (S): Temporarily change the file's owner or
group when it's executed, useful for specific programs requiring
elevated privileges.
Access Control Lists (ACLs): Offer more granular control beyond
the basic owner/group/others model, allowing specific user or group
permissions.
Imagine the UNIX file system as a vast landscape of directories and files,
connected like a tree with the root directory at the top. Your current
location within this landscape determines what files and directories you
can access. The cd (change directory) command serves as your trusty
compass, helping you navigate through this maze.
1. Starting Point:
2. Moving Downward:
4. Going Back:
To retrace your steps and move up one level, use cd ... This moves
you back to the parent directory, just like climbing back up a path.
So, cd .. takes you from "Music" to "Documents", and pwd would
display /home/username/Documents again.
5. Absolute Navigation:
To jump directly to any directory in the system, use the full path. For
example, cd /usr/bin takes you to the /usr/bin directory, regardless
of your current location.
Imagine teleporting to a specific landmark within the vast
landscape.
cd - takes you back to the previous directory you were in. This is like
remembering the last path you traveled and quickly returning to it.
Using ~ directly brings you back to your home directory, no matter
where you are. It's like instantly warping back to base camp.
For Users:
Overall Implications:
ANS. This command will list all files and directories in your current
directory along with details such as:
Information Provided:
Usefulness:
The basic syntax for displaying all running processes with the ps
command is:
ps aux
You can use various other options with the ps command to filter the
output or display specific information. Some common options include:
ANS. The chmod command in UNIX systems serves the crucial purpose of
modifying file permissions. These permissions dictate who can read,
write, and execute a file, ensuring data security, system stability, and
controlled access.
Command:
Bash
chmod 600 secret.txt
Explanation:
Outcome:
After executing this command, only you (the owner) have read and write
access to "secret.txt". Others will be denied access, protecting the
sensitive information within.
Additional Considerations:
Explanation:
Example:
cp -p Documents/important_document.txt Backups/
Additional Notes:
1. Moving files: It relocates files from one directory to another within the
same file system. 2. Renaming files: It essentially "moves" a file to a
new name within the same directory, effectively renaming it.
Command:
Bash
mv old_name.txt new_name.txt
Use code with caution.
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Explanation:
Outcome:
Additional Notes:
Top Section:
You can sort the process list by different criteria (e.g., CPU usage, memory
usage) using keyboard shortcuts or command-line options. You can also
filter the list to focus on specific processes or users.
Additional Information:
ANS. Warning: The rm command, especially with the -r flag for recursive
deletion, is permanent and cannot be undone. Use it with extreme
caution and ensure you are targeting the correct directory before
proceeding.
Command:
Bash
rm -rf directory_name
Use code with caution.
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Explanation:
Important Considerations:
Explanation:
Example:
To find all files with the ".txt" extension in your "Documents" directory and
its subdirectories, use the following command:
-print: This option prints the full path of each matching file. By
default, find only displays the filenames.
-size: You can add this option followed by a comparison operator
and a size value to filter by file size. For example, -size +10M finds
files larger than 10 megabytes.
-mtime: Use this option with a number and comparison operator to
search for files based on their modification time. For example, -
mtime -7 finds files modified within the last 7 days.
Remember:
Significance:
ANS. While both cd and pwd deal with directories in UNIX systems, they
serve distinct purposes:
cd (change directory):
Use cd when:
o You want to move to a different directory to access files or run
commands there.
o You need to specify a starting point for commands that
operate on files (e.g., cp, mv).
Use pwd when:
o You need to confirm your current location within the file
system.
o You want to include the current directory path in a command
or script for clarity or automation.
Key Differences:
Action vs. Information: cd performs an action (changing
directory), while pwd provides information (displaying the current
directory).
Arguments: cd requires a target directory, while pwd takes no
arguments.
Purpose: cd facilitates navigation, while pwd aids understanding
and referencing your location.
ANS. Command:
Bash
mkdir documents
Use code with caution.
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Explanation:
Outcome:
Additional Notes:
ANS. Command:
Bash
cd /
Use code with caution.
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Explanation:
Outcome:
Executing this command in your terminal will change your current working
directory to the root directory. This means you will be at the highest level
of the file system structure.
Caution:
Alternatives:
Bash
cp source_file_path destination_directory/new_file_name
Use code with caution.
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Explanation:
cp: Initiates the copy operation.
source_file_path: Replace this with the full path to the file you want
to copy.
destination_directory: Replace this with the full path to the directory
where you want to copy the file.
new_file_name: (Optional) You can specify a new name for the
copied file here if you want to rename it during the copy process.
ANS. Command:
Bash
cat example.txt
Use code with caution.
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Explanation:
Outcome:
Executing this command in your terminal will display the entire content of
the "example.txt" file on your screen, line by line.
Additional Notes:
If the file is very large, the output may scroll quickly off your
screen. You can use the more or less commands to navigate
through the output page by page.
To only display the first few lines or last few lines of the file, use
options like head or tail with the cat command (e.g., cat -n head -5
example.txt shows the first 5 lines with line numbers).
Ensure the "example.txt" file exists and you have permission to read
it before running the command.
ANS. Command:
Bash
head -n 10 filename.txt
Use code with caution.
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Explanation:
Example:
Bash
head -n 10 my_document.txt
Use code with caution.
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Additional Notes:
1. Hard Links:
2. Symbolic Links:
Here's how to create a symbolic link named "shortcut" that points to the
file "original_file.txt" using the ln command:
Bash
ln -s original_file.txt shortcut
Use code with caution.
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Explanation:
Outcome:
After executing this command, you'll have a file named "shortcut" in the
current directory. Accessing "shortcut" will behave the same as accessing
"original_file.txt" because it points to its location.
ANS. Command:
Bash
mv oldfile.txt newfile.txt
Use code with caution.
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Explanation:
Additional Considerations:
ANS. Command:
Bash
rm obsolete.txt
Use code with caution.
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Explanation:
Outcome:
Executing this command will permanently delete the file "obsolete.txt"
from your system. There is no way to recover the file once it's deleted.
Important Considerations: