UNIX or Unix?

Subject: UNIX or Unix?
From: Betsy Davison <Hareplanes -at- AOL -dot- COM>
Date: Mon, 30 Oct 1995 15:54:07 -0500

Our Technical Documentation department is having an argument about which word
we should use -- "Unix" or "UNIX" -- to refer to the operating system.

Most often we write about the operating system in the generic sense (e.g,
Unix-based programs). Occasionally, we will describe a specific version of
the operating system.

A couple of writers have a book (A Student's Guide to Unix, by Harley Hahn,
McGraw-Hill) that says "Unix" is the generic term for a family of operating
systems that share certain characteristics, while "UNIX" refers to the
original AT&T operating system. These writers think we should use "Unix"
when writing in general terms and "UNIX" when referring to a specific
version.

However, other writers argue that most often, "UNIX" is the form that appears
in print, so many people think it is the industry standard, even for generic
usage. They worry that if we don't use "UNIX" our books will look not look
very technical to the engineers who are our audience and who are used to
seeing "UNIX" in books they read.

Which should we use in our documentation, "Unix" or "UNIX"?

Also, do we need a TM, SM or R symbol? Do we need a statement in our text
other than what appears on our inside cover: "All other product names and
service names referenced herein are trademarks or servicemarks of their
respective companies."

Thanks for your comments and suggestions.


Previous by Author: Docutech printing companies
Next by Author: Re: English to Spanish Translation Software
Previous by Thread: Re: One sourcing--request for informatio
Next by Thread: Re: UNIX or Unix?


What this post helpful? Share it with friends and colleagues:


Sponsored Ads