Chapter 4. UNIX Basics
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## Chapter 4. UNIX Basics

Rewritten by Chris Shumway.

## 4.1. Synopsis

This chapter covers the basic commands and functionality of the FreeBSD operating system. Much of this material is relevant for any UNIX®-like operating system. New FreeBSD users are encouraged to read through this chapter carefully.

After reading this chapter, you will know:

- How to use the “virtual consoles” of FreeBSD.

- How UNIX® file permissions and FreeBSD file flags work.

- The default FreeBSD file system layout.

- The FreeBSD disk organization.

- How to mount and unmount file systems.

- What processes, daemons, and signals are.

- What a shell is, and how to change the default login environment.

- How to use basic text editors.

- What devices and device nodes are.

- What binary format is used under FreeBSD.

- How to read manual pages for more information.

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3.13. Preparing Custom Installation Media | Home | 4.2. Virtual Consoles and Terminals

This, and other documents, can be downloaded from http://ftp.FreeBSD.org/pub/FreeBSD/doc/

For questions about FreeBSD, read the documentation before contacting <questions@FreeBSD.org>.
For questions about this documentation, e-mail <doc@FreeBSD.org>.