resources for help

I'm taking the plunge into a *nix system. I've been toying with a few linux distros over the past few weeks and have decided to give pc-bsd a try.

Still a noob to a *nix os I'm looking for ways to learn the system. After playing with linux I would say my pc knowledge is limited to the gui interface of windows.

The installation will be on a ibm thinkpad laptop for personal use. Can anyone recommend any books that will help me learn about a bsd operating system?

I've noticed a section with unix books in the local store. With bsd taking roots from unix, would a book on unix be of any help?

Off subject but curious, I notice freebsd mentions installing linux packages and functioning properly. Can I do the same with pc-bsd? I'm looking to install and use bibletime software.

[scottro]

Yes, Unix books will help. FreeBSD Unleashed is a good one for the newcomer.

PCBSD comes installed with the csh. It also has the somewhat sparse sh. However, you might want to isntall bash, a Bournestye shell with a few other features, such as tab completion (you type part of a file name and it completes it). Many books assume you're using a Bourne style shell.

There's a sticky on the forums with useful links as well.

In many ways, *nix is *nix. That is, what you learn using PCBSD can be applied, in part, to any Linux or other Unix system. There are always differences, for instance, at work I also have a box running AIX Unix, which has its own quirks, but many of the common commands are the same.

The resources link also has a link to the FreeBSD handbook, which is a free online document with a great deal of useful information, though parts of it are advanced for a newcomer.

You also have these forums. :) There are many people on here with FreeBSD experienced who can help.
jj

[sblevin]

SITE -> FreeBSD How-To's for the Lazy and Hopeless (not a personal comment : )

http://flag.blackened.net/freebsd/

It's got some good links there.

[TheBman]

The resources link also has a link to the FreeBSD handbook, which is a free online document with a great deal of useful information, though parts of it are advanced for a newcomer.

You also have these forums. Smile There are many people on here with FreeBSD experienced who can help.
jj

I think that the Handbook is the primary resource. FreeBSD has OUTSTANDING documentation...but can be advanced as previously stated. I have yet to have a problem that wasnt solved in the Handbook, FAQ, or specific program website. You will find the help on here freely given...with a smile! But...remember this...google.com is your friend!

[TheBman]

hmmm.the top half of that post was supposed to be qouted...guess I'll have to google that one!