NOTICE this is ONLY the Basic list. I also offer a list of commands for:
Beginning Server Administration
Files and Permissions
Directory navigation
Commands for Guru-Wannabees
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All of these commands should work from your command prompt (regardless which shell you're using). Just in case some folks were not aware, you MUST press enter to invoke the command
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For this summary, please note that the EX: stands for example and is not part of the command. Commands are denoted in courier type font.
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If you need help understanding what the options are, or how to use a command, try adding this to the end of your command: --help
For example, for better understanding of the df command's options, type:
df --help
| Command | Summary Use |
| Use cd to change directories | Type cd followed by the name of a directory to access that directory. Keep in mind that you are always in a directory and allowed access to any directories hierarchically above or below. Ex: cd games If the directory games is not located hierarchically below the current directory, then the complete path must be written out. Ex: cd /usr/games To move up one directory, use the shortcut command. Ex: cd .. |
| Use clear to clear the command prompt | Type clear to clean up your command prompt window. This is especially helpful when you are typing lots of commands and need a clean window to help you focus.Ex: clear This is also useful when you are getting ready to type a rather long command and do not wish to become confused by other details on the screen. |
| Use date to set your server's date and time | Type date followed by the two digit month, the two digit date, the two digit time, and two digit minutes. The syntax is easy enough and resembles this: MMDDhhmm This command is helpful but must be used when superuser or logged in as root. Otherwise you will get an "Operation not permitted" reply.As root user you can use the command such as: date 11081300 The above command will set the server date and time to the 11th month (November), the 8th day, at 1:00pm. |
| Use df to check disk space | Typing df provides a very quick check of your file system disk space. Type df -h to get a more easily readable version of the output. Notice that this command will include all applicable storage such as your hard disk/s (hda, hdb etc.) and your server SWAP file (shm). To list disk space including filesystem type: df -h -T |
| Use finger to see who's on the system | Typing finger allows you to see who else is on the system or get detailed information about a person who has access to the system. Type finger followed by the name of a user's account to get information about that user. Or, type finger and press enter to see who's on the system and what they are doing. Ex: finger johndoe |
| Use logout to quit using the system | Yep, you guessed it, typing logout will log your account out of the system. Type logout at the prompt to disconnect from your Linux machine or to logout a particular user session from the system. Keep in mind that although rudimentary, leaving your critical account logged on may be a security concern. We always recommend promptly using logout when you are finished using your root account! Ex: logout |
| Use ls to list files and directories | Type ls to see a list of the files and directories located in the current directory. If you’re in the directory named games and you type ls, a list will appear that contains files in the games directory and sub-directories in the games directory. Examples: ls Mail ls /usr/bin Type ls -alt to see a list of all files (including .rc files) and all directories located in the current directory. The listing will include detailed, often useful information. Examples: ls -alt ls -alt /usr/bin If the screen flies by and you miss seeing a number of files, try using the |more at the end like: ls -alt |more * In Bash (Linux shell) often the abbreviated command L is available. To get a verbose listing of files and directories you could therefore simply type: l |
| Use man to pull up information about a Linux command | Type man followed by a command to get detailed information about how to use the command. Ex: man ls Type man -k followed by a word to list all of the commands and descriptions that contain the word you specified. Ex: man -k finger |
| Use more to read the contents of a file | Type more followed by the name of a text file to read the file’s contents. Why do we exmphasize using this on a "text" file? Because most other types of files will look like garbage! Ex: more testfile.txt |
| Use nano to start a text editor | Typing nano will start a basic text editor on most Linux systems. Type nano followed by the filename you wish to edit. This basic editor is quick and easy to use for beginners. However, it is very important that you also learn about other text editors available on Linux and UNIX systems. Click on this link to learn about others like emacs, vi, and pico. Ex: nano /etc/security/access.conf |
| Use passwd to change your current password | Type passwd and press enter. You'll see the message Changing password for yourname. At the Old password: prompt, type in your old password . Then, at the Enter new password: prompt, type in your new password . The system double checks your new password. Beside the Verify: prompt, type the new password and press again. Create a secure password that combines parts of words and numbers. For instance, your dog's name may be Rufus. He may have been born in 1980. Create a password that uses parts of both the name and date of birth, such as 80rufuS. Note the use of at least one capital letter. This is a fairly secure password and easy to remember. |
| Use pwd to list the name of your current directory | Type pwd and hit enter. You'll see the full name of the directory you are currently in. This is your directory path and is very handy. This is especially handy when you forget which directory you’ve changed to and are trying to run other commands. |
Want more? Perhaps you're ready for our Commands for Guru Wanna-bees or review the Beginner commands for Server Administration.
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