How to open a terminal

Overview

A terminal is a text-based way to control Linux. It runs a shell, usually Bash, which reads commands and prints their results.

Terminal commands are useful for managing files, installing software, troubleshooting, and automating repeated work.

Ways to open it

On Ubuntu, press Ctrl+Alt+T, or open the application menu and search for Terminal. KDE may call it Konsole.

A terminal normally opens in your home directory.

user@computer:~$

Read the prompt

user is your account, computer is the machine name, and ~ means your home directory. A final $ normally indicates a regular user; # often indicates root.

• Type pwd to show your current directory
• Type whoami to show your current user
• Press Tab to complete many command and file names

Tips and safety

Work as your normal user. Use sudo only for a command that genuinely needs administrator access, and read the command before entering your password.

Close a terminal with exit or the window controls. Closing it can also stop programs still attached to that terminal.