If you have patience, you will probably find like I did that anything computers can be understood without resorting to analogies, and that understanding is deeper without them. Stephenson's nonfiction about computers is all analogies and hyperbole. It might be fun to read, but it will not tend to increase your understanding.
Metaphors and analogies are good tools for conveying subtler meanings that may not be evident at first sight.
The Hole Hawg analogy is also used in Stephenson's In the Beginning was the Command Line. He used to provide the text for free but I can't seem to find the link anymore. http://www.nealstephenson.com/command/
The only problem is that OS X is a UNIX operating system.