Linux Primer – Basic Linux

Sabalcore provides both Graphical and command-line interfaces. For Windows users new to Sabalcore and Linux, the bulk of your work can be done graphically (similar to working with Windows 7). From the Remote Desktop, you will find a file manager, zip tool, editors, a browser and many other familiar tools similar to those found in Windows.

However, there maybe a time that requires you to use some basic Linux command-line commands. If you are new to Linux it is recommended that you review the basic commands.

Linux vs. Windows – Some important thins to keep…

Linux is case sensitive. Unlike MS DOS, Linux is case sensitive. File names and directories must be represented with correct case.
Linux does not like blank spaces in file names or directory names. Before transferring Windows created files and folders, it’s best to rename the files and folders by removing blank spaces in the names.
File extensions are important in Linux. Unlike MS-DOS, file names must be represented with their file extension.
Xterm or Terminal Window

The MS Windows equivalent to the Command window or MSDOS window is the “xterm”, also known as a “terminal window”. This window can be found in the graphical interface. As you can see from the image below, all it says is [jdvw@sci ~]$ (in your case it will have your user id instead of ‘jdvw’). This is called the prompt. In this example, “jdvw” is my user name, “~” represents my home directory (and the directory I am in currently), and the “$” tells you the command line is ready to take commands. The user types commands at the prompt. The computer then runs the appropriate program.

There are more commands than you could ever hope or need to know. Below is a short list of some of the most common commands you should be familiar with in order to use the Sabalcore service.

Tip: You can copy and paste between the Sabalcore Graphical Interface and your Windows PC. Use the mouse to high-light any text in the Terminal window. This will automatically copy the text to the Clipboard. To past into the Sabalcore Graphical Interface, copy text from your Windows PC, then press the middle mouse button (the roller) to past the text in the Sabalcore Graphical Interface.
Recommended Commands

$ pwd

At the command line, you don’t have a graphical representation of where you are at in the file system. This command will print your working directory, or in other words, where you are in the file system. Note that the word print, in this case, has nothing to do with your printer; it means that the response will be printed to the terminal window. Try typing “pwd” and press enter in the Terminal now.

$ ls
The ls command lists the contents of the working directory. It is the non-graphical equivalent of double-clicking a folder to see what is inside. Try typing “ls” and press enter in the Terminal now.

$ exit

This command closes the command line and exits the window.
There are many other commands in Linux. There are many resources on the internet to help you learn more.

CTRL-c

If you get stuck, use ctrl + c to exit a command or process

DOS to the equivalent Linux Command Summary

Command’s Purpose

MS-DOS

Linux

Basic Linux Example

Shows your location in the file system

chdir

pwd

pwd

Copies files

copy

cp

cp thisfile.txt thisfilecopy.txt

Moves files

move

mv

mv thisfile.txt ~/data/thisdirectory

Lists files

dir

ls

ls

Clears screen

cls

clear

clear

Closes prompt window

exit

exit

exit

Deletes files

del

rm

rm thisfile.txt

Displays help page for a command

command /?

man

man command

Creates a directory

mkdir

mkdir

mkdir directory

Renames a file

ren

mv

mv thisfile.txt thatfile.txt

Changes directories with a specified path (absolute path)

cd pathname

cd pathname

cd /directory/directory

Changes directories with a relative path

cd ..

cd ..

cd ..
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