I would add to absolute must-know commands: pwd - This will tell you what directory you are currently in. This is particularly handy if, like in many un*x systems, the path in not automatically printed at the prompt. Often times users will configure their shells to do this, as this is something that they are used to using the DOS / Windows command line, but it can be cumbersome as un*x paths can get very long, as can commands with complex arguments. which - This will tell you where the binary file that a command is executing lives. If you are administering a machine, this information can be vital. ln - Creates "links" to files, similar to shortcuts in Windows. tar -zxvf - The tar command with all the flags needed to decompress a tar.gz file. ps - list running processes. And, most importantly, man - Manual pages. --- David Cloutman <[log in to unmask]> Electronic Services Librarian Marin County Free Library -----Original Message----- From: Code for Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Tim Hodson Sent: Saturday, June 14, 2008 12:03 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [CODE4LIB] Unix training options? In terms of the absolute basics for moving round the system and seeing what is going on, I would recommend the following commands bash - use a bash shell which has handy command history and command completion with the tab key cd - change directory ls - list the contents of a direcory vi - to read, create and edit files. less - view even very big files easily, and uses standard vi commands to navigate The easiest way to learn is through doing, playing and making mistakes. - and being forced to learn because you HAVE to do something is a great catalyst to knew knowledge. :) -- Tim Hodson www.informationtakesover.co.uk www.timhodson.co.uk Email Disclaimer: http://www.co.marin.ca.us/nav/misc/EmailDisclaimer.cfm