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Command line interface

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Command line interface#

Although software exists which allows you to access a server just as if you were logging into a normal computer - with a graphical user interface (GUI) and everything - many will only provide a command line interface. This is a text-based method of communication that almost all computers have, though it is typically hidden out of sight for most users.

The terminal functions like an old fashioned text adventure game, or a voice-activated assistant that requires you to type in your commands.

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Accessing the command line interface on your own computer depends on your system:

Windows#

  • In the taskbar menu type ‘command’ and Command Prompt should appear for you to launch

  • Alternatively press Windows Key + r and type ‘cmd’ into the box and Command Prompt should launch

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Mac#

  • Click the launchpad icon in the dock, type ‘Terminal’ into the search field and launch from there

  • Alternatively in the Finder, navigate to /Applications/Utilities folder and launch Terminal from there

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Mobaxterm#

Frequent users often use a software called Mobaxterm to connect to the command line. If you are interested in using this software instead of your local terminal:

  • Find the free version of Mobaxterm here and either download and execute the Portable edition or install the Installer edition

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