Book Review: “Running MacOSX Panther”
by John Suda
Most Mac users are perfectly happy that the Mac user interface shields them from the intricacies and complexities of the Unix-based “plumbing” beneath the surface of their machines. Others, however, like motorheads who compulsively tune, torque, and tinker with their souped-up cars, love to open up their Mac, so to speak, to get at the innards. This book is for them.
“Running MacOSX Panther” is a systematic guide to the core of OSX written, not just for power users, but for those with a compulsive need to know how the Mac works inside-out. It is for those who want master-level knowledge of how the Mac operates inside.
After a short history of the developmentof the Mac operating system, the book describes all the essentials: what happens during the startup and login process; how files organized and permissions set up; how preferences are maintained and edited; how users and groups are set up and administered, and more. The emphasis is on the Unix underpinnings and use of the command line to view, customize, and control the Mac. There is discussion on how to see and edit hidden files and directories, how to use the Unix “shell” and text editors, and how to edit Open Firmware - the Mac version of the PC’s “BIOS”. You can learn to create a user account for non-human users (not including your kitty!)
The advanced sections discuss the Open Directory, a type of database which stores information about the system and its components, and advanced networking information and options. Journaling is explained and an argument is made why disk defragmentation is not necessary on OSX. It convinced me.
An appendix providing guidance on installing Panther has sections for ordinary users as well as for Mac “motorheads”. The motorheads will enjoy reviewing the list of Boot Command key combinations.
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