13. Access the Command Line

BEFORE YOU BEGIN	SEE ALSO
12 Run a Program from the Run Application Dialog	14 About File Commands
	15 Use File Commands
	16 About System Commands
	17 Use System Commands

Although GNOME provides easy access to applications and applets using the menu system and the Run Application dialog, there may be occasions when you need to access a command shell and work at the command line. The information provided here is not a comprehensive look at the command shell or the various commands that can be run at the command line but is a primer to provide you with an overview of the command shell.

Note

Shell commands consist of an actual command and optional switches, which allow for certain options with a particular command. After typing a command and any accompanying switches, press Enter to invoke the command.

In NLD the default terminal or shell program is GNOME Terminal. This terminal allows you to work at the command line without leaving the NLD desktop. Most shell commands really come in two flavors: commands that provide an immediate response, such as the ls command, which provides a list of files in the current folder, and shell commands that start a particular command-line utility. For example, the passwd command starts a utility that walks you through the process of changing your user password.

Note

You may wonder why you should even consider working with shell commands when GNOME provides desktop utilities and tools that take care of most of your day-to-day needs in terms of managing files. It is a good idea to know a few file and system commands and to be aware of the capabilities of the command shell, particularly if you decide you want to expand your knowledge of the Linux system over time (from user to "better" user).

Open the GNOME Terminal

Select the Programs menu on the top panel, select the System Tools submenu, and then select Terminal. The GNOME Terminal opens on the desktop. The command line in the terminal consists of your username@linux. You enter commands at the command line.

Maximize the Terminal

It is easier to view the results of shell commands if you maximize the terminal window. Click the Maximize button on the window. Now you are ready to enter shell commands.

Execute the Command

A good command utility to try out is the passwd command, which allows you to change your user password. At the command line type passwd and then press Enter. Type your current password and then press Enter. Then type your new password and press Enter. Reenter the new password and press Enter. The password has been changed.

Tip

To clear the entries currently on the terminal screen, type clear and then press Enter.

Tip

You can get help on a command by typing the command followed by -- help (such as ls --help). To view the manual information for a particular command, type the command and then type man and press Enter. This opens the manual for the command. You can use the up and down arrow keys to move through the manual (the spacebar moves you down one screen at a time). To exit the manual for the command (or any manual pages that you access at the command line) press the q key on the keyboard.