The characteristics and capabilities of the IBM RISC System/6000 (or simply RISC/6000) are explained. This book is not a technical reference manual. It is a user’s guide written in understandable language for non-computer experts who may come into contact with the System/6000 and wonder why it is special. The book consists of seven chapters and two appendices. The book begins with a discussion of the RISC architecture, followed by a review of hardware options available for the computer. Next, Hoskins discusses the AIX operating system, which is native to System/6000, including device drivers and the relationship of AIX to applications software. A summary of computer communications in an AIX environment follows. The last section of the book deals with systems administration issues, such as maintenance, security, and user training. The appendices focus on peripheral equipment supported by RISC/6000 computers and on performance issues with these computers.

This work is a readable, even entertaining, discussion of reduced instruction set computing (RISC) technology. It is a surprising compilation of materials in one sense. The RISC and UNIX technologies that underlie System/6000 are fairly advanced and sophisticated, which would normally imply a more technically advanced audience. Yet, this book is written in such simple terms that it seems somehow odd. It is loaded with simple and clear explanations of introductory terminology while dealing with advanced concepts. It is great for someone who is relatively new to computing technology and who is curious about workstations in general and RISC-based systems in particular.