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17.1 Getting Started with the Bash
Shell
In Linux, you can use the command line parallel to the graphical user interface and
easily switch between them. To start a terminal window from the graphical user interface
in KDE, click the Konsole icon in the panel. In GNOME, click the GNOME Terminal
icon in the panel.
The Konsole or the GNOME Terminal window appears, showing the prompt on the
first line like in
Figure 17.1, "Example of a Bash Terminal Window"
(page 332). The
prompt usually shows your login name (in this example, tux), the hostname of your
computer (here, knox), and the current path (in this case, your home directory, indicated
by the tilde symbol, ~). When you are logged in on a remote computer this information
always shows you which system you are currently working on. When the cursor is after
this prompt, you can send commands directly to your computer system.
Figure 17.1 Example of a Bash Terminal Window
17.1.1 Entering Commands
A command consists of several elements. The first element is always the actual com-
mand, followed by parameters or options. You can type a command and edit it by using
← , → , <— , Del , and Space . You can also add options or correct typing errors. The
command is executed when you press Enter .
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Installation and Administration
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Troubleshooting
