An administrator's guide to IBM's AIX providing practical aid on the system paradigm and programming, focusing on customization and system configuration: X Windows, Motif, and X Desktop. Special attention is devoted to the System Management Interface Tool (SMIT), a feature of AIX which allows for easier configuration and Internet access. Additionally, file management is covered completely with directions in storage, disk mirroring, backup and recovery. The disk accompanying the text offers samples of user file customizations, scripts, and performance monitoring software. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.