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Most operating systems, including Ubuntu, have two types of user interfaces. The first is a graphical user interface (\acronym{GUI}). This is the desktop, windows, menus, and toolbars that you click to get things done. The second, and much older, type of interface is the command-line interface (\acronym{CLI}).
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The \emph{terminal} is Ubuntu's command-line interface. It is a method of controlling some aspects of Ubuntu using only commands that you type on the keyboard.
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Why would I want to use the terminal?
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You can perform most day-to-day activities without ever needing to open the terminal. However, the terminal is a powerful and invaluable tool that can be used to perform many useful tasks you might not be able to accomplish with a \acronym{GUI}. For example:
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Troubleshooting any difficulties that may arise when using Ubuntu sometimes requires you to use the terminal.
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A command-line interface is sometimes a faster way to accomplish a task. For example, it is often easier to perform operations on many files at once using the terminal.
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Learning the command-line interface is the first step towards more advanced troubleshooting, system administration, and software development skills. If you are interested in becoming a developer or an advanced Ubuntu user, knowledge of the command-line will be essential.
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Opening the Terminal
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\marginnote{The \emph{terminal} gives you access to what is called a \emph{shell}. When you type a command in the \gls{terminal} the \gls{shell} interprets this command, resulting in the desired action. Different types of shells accept slightly different commands. The most popular is called ``bash,'' and is the default shell in Ubuntu.} You can open the terminal by clicking \menu{Applications \then Accessories \then Terminal}.
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When the terminal window opens, it will be largely blank apart from some text at the top left of the screen, followed by a blinking block. This text is your \gls{prompt}\dash it displays your login name and your computer's name, followed by the current directory. \marginnote{In \acronym{GUI} environments the term ``folder'' is commonly used to describe a place where files are stored. In \acronym{CLI} environments the term ``directory'' is used to describe the same thing and this metaphor is exposed in many commands (\ie, \code{cd} or \code{pwd}) throughout this chapter.} The tilde (\textasciitilde) means that the current directory is your home directory. Finally, the blinking block is the \gls{cursor}\dash this marks where text will be entered as you type.
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