File Structure

The Unix file structure is based on directories (Windows and Mac users can think of these as folders). The root of all directories is ``/'' (forward slash). What will interest users the most is their home directory. For example, assume that user joeblow is a summer REU student. His home directory would be located at

/home/reu/joeblow

A location like this is also known as a path. When user joeblow logs in, he automatically will be placed in his home directory. From there, he can make subdirectories if he wishes to organize his files. Some commands he might need are given next.