Linux software

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Linux software typically found on other Linux installations as well as XO laptops.

You type the commands in a Terminal activity.

Basic commands

• cd  : change directory (e.g. cd {path to directory}
• cp  : copy (e.g. cp {path to file} {path to destination})
• ls  : lists all in the directory (similar to "dir/w" on a Windows system)
• ls -al  : lists everything in directory, including hidden directories (similar to "dir/ah" on a Windows system)
• mkdir : make a directory (e.g. mkdir {path to directory}
• mount  : mount a usb device (e.g. mount /media/{usb_stick_name} (usb sticks are in the /media directory)
• nano  : change a file (e.g. nano {path to file}) If the file is in the working directory, then you only need to type the file name.
• pwd  : print working directory (tells you what your current directory is)
• reboot : restart the computer
• rm  : remove (e.g. rm {path to file})
• su : switch user, command. Commonly used to go to/from 'root' and 'olpc' accounts.
• sudo : Allows running of commands as 'root' from 'olpc' account.
• umount  : unmount a usb device
• unzip  : will unzip or uncompress a file or bundle of files. (use with .xo)

Note: the command-line option -r (recursive) makes some commands recursive, e.g. cp -r will copy the entire directory.

Advanced commands

• wget  : get file from web (e.g. wget {url_to_file}
• rsync : Advanced remote copy/mirror/update files/directory function

Expert commands

• ifconfig  : reports your IP address, shows network connections (enter command in root)
• telinit 3 : shuts down sugar (the graphical environment), giving you a text-only Linux mode
• telinit 5 : starts up sugar (the graphical environment) after having done "telinit 3" to stop it
• iwconfig : reports wireless network info

• halt -p : shutdown

Popular packaged software

• firefox : Popular web browser
• opera : Popular web browser
• gtkpod : Software for connecting to and synchronizing with your Apple iPod.
• mc : (i.e. Midnight Commander) Command line file/directory manager.
• picasa : Picture organizer and uploader for Google's Piscasa online web folders.
• thunar : File/directory manager
• XMMS : Multi-media viewer/player.

Many of these are graphical programs that use the X Window System. The XO's Sugar user interface uses X as well, but presents a different, simpler user interface than traditional programs.

Popular addon/plugin software

• Flash player : Able to show shockwave or flash embedded webpages.

References

• See also category:linux software .
• A list of common linux commands