• What is a terminal?
  • How do I open a terminal window?
  • How do I use the terminal?

Return to FAQ index

link|improve this question
feedback

4 Answers

up vote 18 down vote accepted

What is it:

The terminal is an interface in which you can type and execute text based commands.

terminal screenshot


Why use it:

It can be much faster to complete some tasks using a Terminal than with graphical applications and menus. Another benefit is allowing access to many more commands and scripts.

A common terminal task of installing an application can be achieved within a single command, compared to navigating through the Software Centre or Synaptic Manager.

For example the following would install Deluge bittorrent client:

sudo apt-get install deluge

To save a detailed list of files in the current directory tree to a file called listing.txt:

find -type f > listing.txt

How do I open a terminal:

  • Open Dash (Super Key) or Applications and type terminal

    dash terminal

  • Use the keyboard shortcut by pressing CtrlAlt+T.

  • For older or Ubuntu versions: (More Info)

    Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal


Alternative names for the terminal:

  • Console
  • Shell
  • Command Line
  • Command Prompt

Common commands & Further information

link|improve this answer
feedback

A Terminal is your interface to the underlying operating system via a shell, usually the bash. It is a command line.

Back in the day, a Terminal was a screen+keyboard that was connected to a server. Today, it is usally just a progam.

You can open it via the utilities part of the apllications menu, or press ALT+F2 and type gnome-terminal.

link|improve this answer
feedback

The terminal (also known as shell and console) is an application in which you can execute commands directly. It looks like:

gnome-terminal screenshot

You can start the terminal from Applications -> Accessories -> Terminal.
If you're not using Gnome, but KDE (Kubuntu), you would find it under: Kickoff menu -> Applications -> System -> Konsole.

The Ubuntu wiki has an article about the terminal which includes information on starting the terminal in Xubuntu and Lubuntu, and a basic overview of commonly used commands. It's recommended for reading as it includes much examples as well.

link|improve this answer
feedback

Press super(or win) key and type "Terminal" in Ubuntu 11.04 with Unity

link|improve this answer
This tells one way to open the Terminal (though most users will probably prefer Ctrl+Alt+T), but it does not actually answer the question of what a terminal is (or how to use it). – Eliah Kagan Nov 19 '11 at 22:44
feedback

Your Answer

 
or
required, but never shown

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.