While my name is on the cover of this text, I would be the first to admit that its creation has not been a singular task. My family—my wife Marie and son Bill—have figured prominently in my efforts. They unfailingly provided me with the moral support when my ardor to complete the task at hand waned and often had to forgo their own activities so that I might pursue mine. Thank you!

I would also like to acknowledge those who helped me in numerous ways to refine my thoughts and class notes into the material that follows. Hoaiphong Truong provided me with numerous helpful comments and suggestions. Outside technical reviewers Robert Lynch and Ryan Caveney (Science Applications International Corporation, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) provided me with invaluable feedback. My UNIX Internals classes at the University of Hartford continued to serve as a test bed for proposed exercises, and as a springboard for new ideas and topics.

The University of Hartford generously provided me with the sabbatical time to write the bulk of the text. I would like to acknowledge the members of the Math/Physics/Computer Science and Interactive Information Technology departments who offered their ongoing collegial support. Special thanks to my Computer Science department Chair, Joel Kagan, for his continued support in all of my academic endeavors. Personal thanks to Greg Doench, Executive Editor at Prentice Hall who, as always, handled things with a practiced and steady hand. Kathleen M. Caren, my Production Editor, was invaluable in helping to put all the pieces into final form. I am also grateful to the talented Justin Muir of Muir Designs ([email protected]) who turned my penguin visions into reality. My thanks would not be complete without a mention of my parents and grandparents who instilled in me from the beginning that almost anything is possible if you persevere.