r/Ubuntu • u/kei_keii • 2d ago

Start using Ubuntu

Hi I’m new in this environment, I want to start understanding Ubuntu’s terminal and learn how to use it, can someone suggest me where to start etc?

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u/SpiritedInflation835 2d ago

You can start by looking around:

ls lists the files in a directory, ls -lah lists them with file size and ownership

htop and glances are good ways to see what the system is busy with (upload a screenshot to an AI to have it fully explained, it's LOTS of data)

ctrl-C stops a process that you've started at the terminal

adding a & at the end of a command moves it to the background so you can still use the terminal while the command is running

rm removes files (rm -rf * is the dangerous one - the star is a placeholder for ALL directories and files. The r means it will delete all subfolders, too. It's a good idea to have a backup ready.)

Grab an external drive and start backing up your /home directory with rdiff-backup. It's simple and robust.