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.


Popular addon/plugin software

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

References