Guides

Basic Unix

Basic UNIX commands on how to move around and look at your files
Moving Around directories

cd changes directories.

eg. cd www changes into the directory 'www'. If you don't list the directory to change to it'll take you back to your home directory.

If you've no directories, you'll have to make them first using mkdir. eg. mkdir www.

ls -la lists all the files you have.

File Commands

cp oldname newname copies the file from oldname to the file newname.

mv oldname newname moves the file from oldname to the file newname, and deletes the original.

eg. mv robert.html www/bob.html will move the file index.html into the directory 'www', rename it bob.html, and delete the original.

Editing Files

pico is a text editor that makes plain text files, like Notepad in Windows, or SimpleText on a Mac. The instructions are on the bottom of the screen at all times. When it says ^G, for example, that means hit Control+G. Use your arrow keys to move around what you've typed, and Control+X to exit and save. To start Pico type pico.

Man Pages

To find out more about a UNIX command, look at its manual page by using the man command.

eg. man ls displays information on the ls command.

See Also