Applying natural language technology to the learning of operating systems functions

Abstract

An investigation is described into the application of natural language processing as a means of learning the basic functions of the Unix operating system. The aim of the research is to produce an easy to use interface which allows students to learn, through self-study, how to use Unix. The input to the interface may be either an English sentence expressing the desired operating system operation, or a question, or a Unix command itself. A chart parsing approach to natural language is adopted. The interface provides three levels of help, depending on the user's prior knowledge, and is able to adapt to match the expertise of the user.