UNIX is both the underlying code and architecture that makes up Mac OS X / iOS as well as a way of interacting with a Mac using the terminal app, X11 app, and various shells like `bash` or `zsh`. Whether you're logging into a mac using `ssh`, using `mdfind` or `tmutil` or using other open source software, you are doing things very much in common with other UNIX operating systems and toolsets such as Linux, GNU, and many, many others too numerous to list.
Questions tagged [unix]
1054 questions
263
votes
3 answers
What is the "rootless" feature in El Capitan, really?
I have just learned about the "Rootless" feature in El Capitan, and I am hearing things like "There is no root user", "Nothing can modify /System" and "The world will end because we can't get root".
What is the "Rootless" feature of El Capitan at a…
Josh
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255
votes
7 answers
How to replace Mac OS X utilities with GNU core utilities?
I found there is some differences between the utility command I used on the mac OSX and linux. I want to make my experience united.
How could I replace all my mac utilities with GNU utilities?
steveyang
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171
votes
11 answers
How can I mount an ext4 file system on OS X?
Is there a safe, stable application for reading from and writing to ext4 file systems on Mac OS X?
If not, what's the best way to access the contents of an ext4 file system on Mac OS X?
Evan Kroske
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161
votes
4 answers
How do I delete all Terminal mail?
I set up a cronjob a long time ago that now doesn't exist. Whenever I open up Terminal, it now says "You have mail". I have something like 100 messages that all say the same thing. How do I mass delete all of the messages?
daviesgeek
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142
votes
9 answers
Is there a way to convert audio files in Mac OS X or the command line without using iTunes?
Now, I know I can use iTunes to convert music. But it's quite a pain.. All I'm asking is: Is there anything built into OS X or UNIX for converting files? Right now I simply want to convert .mp4 to .mp3..
James Litewski
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126
votes
5 answers
Linux' `ps f` (tree view) equivalent on OSX?
How can I get a tree view like the one below on OSX?
vartec@some_server:~$ ps xf
PID TTY STAT TIME COMMAND
11519 ? S 0:00 sshd: vartec@pts/0
11520 pts/0 Ss 0:00 \_ -bash
11528 pts/0 R+ 0:00 \_ ps xf
To…
vartec
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87
votes
11 answers
Copying ISO file to USB drive in OS X?
I have tried to copy an ISO file to a USB drive. I am unable to do it with Disk Utility. How can I copy the ISO file to a USB drive?
But I get the below. I have enough space in the 16GB USB drive for the 2GB ISO file. What am I doing…
hhh
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85
votes
8 answers
How to monitor file access for an OS X application?
I am looking for the OS X corespondent of FileMon, that was later included in ProcessMon.
BTW, it is essential to be able to filter by process.
sorin
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69
votes
9 answers
File can't be moved by root on OS X
I tried to move a few files to a subfolder on OS X. One refused to move. It said Operation not permitted. I tried again as root:
$ sudo mv file subfolder/
mv: rename file to subfolder/file: Operation not permitted
$ sudo mv file filex
mv: rename…
eje211
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55
votes
2 answers
Unix "ln -s" command not permitted in OSX El Capitan Beta3
I was installing nodejs for Symphony when I hit an "Operation not permitted" error. Anyone know why this happened?
MacBook-Pro-de-XXX:~ XXX$ sudo ln -s /usr/local/bin/node /usr/bin/node
Password:
ln: /usr/bin/node: Operation not permitted
Kurr0
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47
votes
9 answers
Linux on Mac hardware: How to remove caps lock delay on Apple MacBook Pro aluminum keyboard when booted to Linux
Apple's MacBook Pro has a slight delay on the caps lock key.
That is, the caps lock key has to be held down slightly longer
than normal to register the key press required to engage the caps lock.
This is super annoying. Does anyone know how to stop…
pnkfelix
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42
votes
7 answers
As a developer, what will I miss on a Macbook Air? [MBA vs MBP]
I am an indie game developer. I am in love with the Mackbook Air [13 inch], and want to buy it. I was wondering:
Will I miss the DVD drive, and upgradability if I am choosing a Macbook Air over Macbook Pro or a Thinkpad Machine?
Is the form factor…
Hari Krishna Ganji
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42
votes
2 answers
What is standard for OS X filesystem? e.g. /opt/ vs. /usr/
What does and should go into /opt/ and what should/does go into /usr/? My understanding is that /usr/ used to be for user home directories, but since they exist in /Users/ - what is the purpose now?
Is there a manual or guide to what all of the…
DilithiumMatrix
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36
votes
1 answer
Is there a Mac OS X equivalent of the Linux iwconfig command?
I'm looking for a command line tool in Mac OS X that performs the equivalent of the iwconfig command in Linux.
Example:
kirkland@x220:~/src/byobu/byobu$ iwconfig wlan0
wlan0 IEEE 802.11abgn ESSID:"serenity"
Mode:Managed …
Dustin Kirkland
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34
votes
2 answers
Can I remotely access my Mac from Linux using screen sharing?
I like to access my Mac from work (Linux) and I wonder if it is possible without installing additional software like TeamViewer or ChickenVNC. I also noticed somewhere that it is possible to wake my Mac via WiFi. What is needed for that (Mac has to…
DaPhil
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