I did ask why I can�t use SED and AWK, the answer I got and I quote �we want our trainee's to learn more about the operating system to start with, and when we feel that you�re comfortable with basics, you will receive training with more advanced utilities from our IT team.�
These exercises I was give are the guide lines on how ready I am apparently.
trying it with who and w now.
thank
Wow, a company that trains it's staff, a rarity today.
Feels like self learning more than anything, plus I am a special case I use to work in their web development section using .NET, so I request a change in departments to do something more technical/challenging 
so far i quite like the unix based stuff way more than windows.
anyways it all works like charm now, thx again for your help vgersh99 