Many beginners feel uncomfortable with commands. It could be because of lots of typing and weird errors and warning they got while executing the commands. If you are one of them then this guide will help you to understand Ubuntu Terminal and how to use it.
What is Ubuntu Terminal?
Ubuntu Terminal is command line interface for users which could be used to run text commands. As you know all the activity we do on computers or any digital devices is because of the commands and instruction we give to those devices.
Ubuntu Terminal or just “Terminal” is itself a software package which is developed by GNOME community.
Ubuntu Terminal is, also, commonly known as Shell, Console, Command Prompt, CLI (abbr. of Command Line Interface). These are technically different things but as a beginner we may refer them as a same thing.
Why Ubuntu Terminal is important?
Unlike Windows or OSX Ubuntu is still being developed for cent percent GUI users. However, there are still some areas where command line interface is being used for configuring things. Sometimes, It is easy to use the Terminal instead of finding a GUI way.
The good part is, unlike Windows and OSX, the availability of tutorials to get things done. Internet is full of such tutorials and the Linux community especially Ubuntu is full of resources.
If you don’t aware about basic Ubuntu commands then follow the link. I have compiled over 50 basic commands that every beginners should know and a few most dangerous commands you should never use.
How to use Ubuntu Terminal?
How to open Terminal Window?
There are many ways to open a terminal window but for beginners the following methods would be handy.
- Search “Terminal” in unity
Terminal could be easily find in Ubuntu Unity. Simply open unity and start typing “terminal”. The terminal icon will simply appear on typing halfway.
- Use Keyboard
From anywhere type hit Ctrl+Alt+t to open terminal window.
What are the alternatives of Ubuntu Terminal?
Ubuntu terminal do some simple task i.e. executing text commands you type into it. It is one of the most powerful tool. For any reason if you are looking for an alternative search Guake, Terminator. Actually you may find dozens of such software.
BUT, I will suggest you to stay with Ubuntu’s default terminal.
Further reading:
- Basic Ubuntu Commands
- Ubuntu Community Doc: Using the terminal
- Wikipedia Article: GNOME Shell