Note: Before any computer nerds, geeks, or ‘experts’ complain that some of the terms are missed used, just remember this article is for the inexperienced users and the terms are used as how a beginner user would perceive them.
Many regular ‘Windows/Mac’ computer users may never encounter the CMD, command line, Powershell, or terminal in their entire computing lives while others may have come across it a few times and have no idea what it is. The problem is most ‘Windows/Mac’ users think it is forbidden territory, only experts can use it. They think that if they miss type something that it will melt their computer or shut down the power grid or some other terrible thing will happen. I’m here to demystify that little ‘Black Box’ window.
First of all, ALL operating systems have this feature. If you contact Microsoft support, they may give you instructions using a command line interface or they will do it themselves if you are screen sharing with them. The reason for this is it is actually easier than trying to navigate a point and click environment that could be different for each system. There has been many times I was on the phone with ‘tech support’ and got lost very quickly when they were trying to explain where to click on the screen. When they have me open a command line and tell me ‘type this’, it is way easier.
I am no terminal expert. I remember the very basic/common commands and what they do, I use a cheat sheet for the commands I don’t use often and do some research for any that I am not sure of.
Below is a link to some YouTube videos that is a good start for the basics. BTW: I am not affiliated with or have any incentives from this channel for directing any traffic to it.
- Linux Commands for Beginners 04 – Navigating the Filesystem
- Linux Commands for Beginners 05 – Basic File Editing
- Linux Commands for Beginners 06 – Moving and Renaming Files
Other episodes that are also helpful for beginners:
- Linux Commands for Beginners 09 – Understanding Permissions
- Linux Commands for Beginners 11 – Intro to Package Management on Debian-based Distributions
- Linux commands for Beginners 20 – Package Management on Fedora and CentOS
Of course you are welcome to watch any other of these ‘for Beginners’ episodes, I just suggest that the above are a good start. The great thing about these videos is that they also get you familiar with the common commands that you will see when you seek help from the Linux community.
Also, after watching these videos you will now know that rm -r / is a very bad thing to do (just in case someone tries to punk you). 😉
The terminal does not have to be this intimidating thing that becomes a deal breaker when it does come to using it. Just like being afraid of a strange shadow in the moonlit night and once you turn on the light, it turns out to be nothing to even be concerned about at all. Using the terminal may be better than pointing and clicking on menus and dialogs when certain things need to be done. Once you find out how easy it really is, you will become comfortable when it comes time to get help from the Linux community. You just might even be willing/prefer to take on some tasks on your own using the terminal.
Linux has matured greatly and most things can be done on the desktop just like any other Graphical User Interface (GUI) like Windows or Mac. The bottom line is the terminal is just a tool that is the better/more efficient option in some circumstances, however, not the only option.