UNIX for OpenVMS Users, Second Edition, is for users who are making the transition from OpenVMS to UNIX and provides a comprehensive comparison of commands and utilities. Starting from a working knowledge of OpenVMS, it takes an average user to a comparable knowledge of UNIX. It bridges the gap between OpenVMS and UNIX by explaining things in OpenVMS terms.
The book begins with a tutorial discussing the concepts needed when working with UNIX and the common shell programs. Working into practical examples, the book shows simple daily tasks that map one-for-one from OpenVMS to UNIX. These include system access, file manipulation, text editing and mail. The examples provide commands that are as equivalent as possible, and point out subtle differences.
Recent releases of OpenVMS and UNIX have added interfaces that are exactly the same between the operating systems, particularly POSIX and CDE. UNIX for OpenVMS Users, describes these interfaces briefly, mainly to reassure users how easy it can be to switch between the operating systems.