This is unix help. To get help you need to know the
command name. For example, you could type 'man ls'.
You can also do keyword searches if you don't know the
exact name of the command you want information on,
for example : 'man -k password'.
cp
This command COPIES files. For example cp file.dat new.dat
ls
This LISTS files in a directory. Most often you would
type 'ls -l' . The "-l" key gives all file details. Also, the -a
option will show all files that begin with "."
mkdir
This makes a directory just like in DOS.
cd
CHANGE DIRECTORY, for example "cd newdir".
Typing just "cd" will take you to your home
directory. (note to go up one directory do: cd ..)
pwd
Tells you which directory you are currently in
(print working directory)
rm
removes (deletes) a file, e.g. 'rm file.dat' (you might want
to use "rm -i" for safety)
pine
Menu driven mail program. very handy.
Mail
Standard unix mail program (note that mail and Mail
do different things sometimes)
mv
This moves a file (sort of like renaming it), for example
'mv oldfile.dat newfile.dat'
more
Lets you view a file on the screen, for example
"more file.dat" (use the space bar to page thru the file)
f77
Fortran compiler command. "f77 test.f -o test"
puts the executable into "test". To run the
program you then just type "test" . (Note: cc is
the c compiler)
passwd
Changes your password.
ps or jobs
Shows jobs running on the system. (you can use "kill"
to kill jobs)
lpr
Prints a file. To print to the 315 Hammond Postscript
printers, use
"lpr -Pps file.ps" (sometimes it is lp instead of lpr)
users
Shows who is currently on the system.
du
Checks disk usage
quota -v
Shows your quota and your current usage of disk space.
"control" c
Kills your current job
"control" z
Suspends you current job
chmod
used to change the protection on your files. To not allow anyone
to read, write, or execute your files, do "chmod 700 *". To give
people read and execute privelege do "chmod 755 *".
Editors
jot
This is a nice editor but only works on the SGI's.
A standard unix editor. Available on virtually ALL unix machines.
Networking Commands
ftp
Lets you connect to another computer and copy files
back and forth. (e.g. "ftp brownie.hbc.psu.edu")
Once you get connected, you use the "get" and "put"
commands. You can also type "help" for a list of more commands.
telnet
This allows you to connect to another computer and run programs on it. (e.g. "telnet farman.cac.psu.edu")
setenv DISPLAY
This command is crucial for using Xwindows. When you
use telnet to connect to a remote computer, you have to
telnet that computer where to display the Xwindows.
That is what this command does. (e.g. "setenv DISPLAY
farman.cac.psu.edu:0") The ":0" tells it to use
monitor number 0. In this example, farman is the
machine you are physically sitting at. On the local
machine you may also have to type "xhost remote-machine-name"
which lets
other machines send images to your machine.
xhost
this command lets you control what other computers
can send Xwindows images to your computer. It is used
as: "xhost cupcake.hbc.psu.edu" (which would give
the remote computer (cupcake) the ability to display
Xwindows images on your computer. The command
"xhost +" lets ANY computer send Xwindows images
to your computer, this is very dangerous and a
unix/network security problem.
netscape &
A very good internet browser.
xmosaic &
Loads Mosaic in X-windows form. The & symbol puts it
in the background so you can then type other commands. (sometimes
you must type mosaic instad of xmosaic)