Jumping In Chapter 1 provides a general introduction to computer operating systems, the Amiga operating system, and user interfaces. It isn't essential to understanding what your Amiga does, so you can defer reading it to a later time if you want to jump right in. Chapters 2 through 6 cover the Workbench interface. This is a departure from The Amiga Companion, which only covered the Shell. I feel that, with the improvements made to Workbench and Intuition, this expanded coverage is essential. Workbench is now a viable alternative to the Shell for all types of users, even experts.
Chapters 7 through 10 document the Shell interface and the AmigaDOS commands. They provide plenty of opportunities for hands-on experimentation. Chapters 11 and 12 provide an introduction to ARexx. This fascinating language is what multitasking is all about. Because of the sheer impossibility of documenting ARexx in two chapters (it needs a book the length of this one), I opted to make Chapter 11 an example-strewn introduction to the language and use Chapter 12 to present a fully annotated program that uses the ARexx interprocess communications features. I like to think that Chapters 11 and 12 give you the information you need to tackle Commodore's murky documentation on the subject.
Following Tradition This book owes much, especially in its hands-on philosophy, to its predecessor, AmigaWorkTs The Amiga Companion by Rob Peck, which covered AmigaDOS 1.3.1 was the primary editor of that book, and I hope that this one does justice to the standards set by Rob in his work. Rob Peck died this past summer; he is missed both for the person he was and for the enthusiasm he brought to the Amiga community.
In the introduction to The Amiga Companion, Rob invited readers to write him with questions and problems. I extend the same invitation to you. Drop me a letter with a self-addressed stamped envelope care of IDG Books. I don't promise to answer every letter, but I'll do my best. Bob Ryan New Ipswich, NH November, 1990
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