Overview
This document provides a brief description of common and
useful UNIX commands.
Summary of UNIX Commands
UNIX is one of the most powerful and versatile operating systems,
and easily one of the most popular. UNIX allows the user to
manipulate files and create programming code, as well as access
some of the best in application software such as Usenet news
and Wordperfect. At the Computer Center, UNIX commands are
entered at the dante prompt. UNIX commands are case sensitive,
or in other words, they are dependent on being upper or lower
case.
| alias | To list aliases. |
| bg | To put suspended process into background. |
| cat (filename) | To display the contents of a file. |
| cc (C program) | To compile a C program. |
| cd (directory) | To change the current directory. |
| chmod | To change permissions on a file or directory. |
| clear | To clear the screen. |
| cp (file1) (file2) | To copy files. |
| date | To show date and time. |
| fg | To bring current process into foreground. |
| ftp | To transfer files. |
| f77 (FORTRAN program) | To compile a FORTRAN program. |
| gemacs (filename) | To use a text editor, EMACS. |
| kill | To kill a process. |
| lpq | To check a print queue at the default printer. |
| lpr (filename) | To print a file to the default printer. |
| ls | To list the files in your account. |
| To read mail or send mail. | |
| man (keyword) | To get help on UNIX commands. |
| mkdir (directory) | To create directory. |
| more (filename) | To view a file on the screen. |
| mv
(file1) (file2) or mv (file1) (directory) |
To rename files or move files to a directory. |
| passwd | To change you login password. |
| pico | To use PICO editor. |
| pine | To use electronic mail called PINE. |
| printenv | To give values for environment variables. |
| ps | To check process status. |
| pwd | To check your working directory. |
| rm (filename) | To remove files. |
| rmdir (directory) | To remove directories. |
| talk (userid) | To talk to another user. |
| telnet | To connect to a remote system. |
| who | To check who is on and what are they doing. |
| wp | To use word processing, WordPerfect. |
| (ctrl) z | To suspend a job. |
For More Information
Contact the Customer Service Center at 646-1840The UNIX man pages provide in-depth information on these and other UNIX commands.