The information that I gathered together in this book is the result of working with
some of the most talented UNIX professionals on the topic. I have enjoyed every
minute of my association with these UNIX gurus and it has been my pleasure to have
the opportunity to gain so much knowledge from the pros. I want to thank every one
of these experts for asking and answering questions over the last fifteen years. If my
brother, Jim, had not kept telling me, “you should write a book,” after querying me for
UNIX details on almost a weekly basis, I doubt this book would have ever been writ-
ten. So, thanks Jim!
I especially want to thank Jack Renfro at Daimler/Chrysler Corporation for giving
me my first shell scripting project so long ago. I had to start with the man pages, but
that is how I learned to dig deep to get an answer. Since then I have been on a mission
to automate, through shell scripting, everything on every system that I come in contact
with. I certainly value the years that I was able to work with Jack.
I must also thank the talented people at Wiley Publishing. Margaret Eldridge started
me on this project by letting me do my own thing, and Carol Long kept me going. Scott
Amerman kept me on schedule, and Angela Smith did the edits that make my writing
flow with ease. It has been a valuable experience for me to work with such a fine group
of professionals at Wiley. I also want to thank Carole McClendon at Waterside Produc-
tions for all of the support on this project. Carole is the best Agent that anyone could
ever ask for. She is a true professional with the highest ethics.
Of course my family had a lot to do with my success on this and every project. I
want to thank Mom, Gene, Jim, Marcia, Rusty, Mallory, and Anica. I want to thank my
Wife Robin for her understanding and support. The girls, Andrea and Ana, always
keep a smile on my face, and Steve is always on my mind.
I could not have written this book without the support of all of these people and the
many others that remain unnamed. It has been an honor!
