To master BSD, you'll have to understand several
topics. We've arranged the hacks loosely into
chapters. They are:
- Chapter 1Customizing the User Environment
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Though modern BSDs have myriad graphical applications and utilities,
the combined wisdom of 35 years of command-line programs is just a
shell away. This chapter demonstrates how to make the most of the
command line, customizing it to your needs and preferences.
- Chapter 2Dealing with Files and Filesystems
-
What good is knowing Unix commands if you have no files? You have to
slice, dice, and store data somewhere. This chapter explains
techniques for finding and processing information, whether
it's on your machine or on a server elsewhere.
- Chapter 3The Boot and Login Environments
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The best-laid security plans of administrators often go out the
window when users enter the picture. Keeping the bad guys off of
sensitive machines requires a two-pronged approach: protecting normal
user accounts through good password policies and protecting the boxes
physically. This chapter explores several options for customizing and
securing the boot and login processes.
- Chapter 4Backing Up
-
After you start creating files, you're bound to run
across data you can't afford to lose.
That's where backups come in. This chapter offers
several ideas for various methods of ensuring that your precious data
will persist in the face of tragedy.
- Chapter 5Networking Hacks
-
Unless you're a die-hard individualist,
you're likely connected to a network. That fact
presents several new opportunities for clever hacks as well as
mystifying failures. This chapter illuminates ways to take advantage
of your network connection.
- Chapter 6Securing the System
-
Security is as much a mindset as it is a process. Knowing the tools
at your disposal will help. This chapter delves into multiple tools
and ideas for increasing the security of your systems, whether
keeping out the bad guys or staying on top of updates.
- Chapter 7Going Beyond the Basics
-
With years and years of refinement, the BSDs provide powerful and
maintainable environments. Are you taking full advantage of
everything your system has to offer? This chapter pushes the envelope
of what you can accomplish.
- Chapter 8Keeping Up-to-Date
-
No bragging about BSD is complete without mentioning the ports or
packages system that keeps thousands of applications right at your
fingertips. Keeping up-to-date could never be easier, could it? This
chapter tackles the subject of installing and updating software,
including the core system.
- Chapter 9Grokking BSD
-
You cannot be a true BSD master until you grok the Unix mindset. How
did the gurus become gurus? Is the true path still open? This chapter
reveals some secrets of the masters and has a little fun along the
way.
