[dedward]

I don't think OSX is specifically that important - I've met plenty of "new" linux users who have no idea htese tools exist either - linux has a gui too, you know.

Converseley, there are plenty of long-term unix experts out there who also find that a mac makes a nice workstation that still satisifies their need for unix tools plus other stuff.

[3am]

Please see my earlier response to mitjak, i think it addresses both of your points.