Test Driving Linux

Chapter 11. The Command Line

So far, this book has explored using Linux from the KDE desktop environment and several graphical programs. But these programs represent only one way in which you can interact with a Linux computer. Underneath all of the glitter and eye candy of the graphic layer lurks another user interface—the command line.

The command line is an all-text interface to the operating system. It is the playground and work environment of Linux users everywhere. You are not considered to have truly arrived as a Linux user until you have mastered the command-line interface. And once you've done so, you will know why Linux users swear by it. The command line is simply the easiest, fastest, and most powerful way to get certain types of work done.

Linux users also use the command line to perform routine maintenance on their computer, configure hardware, or tweak the system for performance. It's a lot like being trained in auto repair and being able to perform you own routine maintenance on your car. A skilled home mechanic can fix her car quickly, with minimal cost, and with the assurance of quality work being done.

This chapter is a basic introduction to the Linux command line. It is based around simple tasks that will familiarize you with the interface and are useful for you to know. The content of this chapter is similar to that of Chapter 3, where you learned to manipulate files using Konqueror. In this chapter you'll learn how to copy, move, delete, and rename files and ...