The following typographic and usage conventions occur in this text:
Table 1. Typographic and usage conventions
| Text type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “Quoted text” | Quotes from people, quoted computer output. |
terminal view | Literal computer input and output captured from the terminal, usually rendered with a light grey background. |
| command | Name of a command that can be entered on the command line. |
VARIABLE
| Name of a variable or pointer to content of a variable, as in $VARNAME. |
option
| Option to a command, as in “the -a option
to the ls command”. |
argument
| Argument to a command, as in “read man ls
”. |
prompt
|
User prompt, usually followed by a command that you type in a terminal window, like in hilda@home> ls -l
|
|
| Command synopsis or general usage, on a separated line. |
filename
| Name of a file or directory, for example “Change to
the /usr/bin directory.”
|
| Key | Keys to hit on the keyboard, such as “type Q to quit”. |
| Graphical button to click, like the button. | |
| → | Choice to select from a graphical menu, for instance: “Select → in your browser.” |
| Terminology | Important term or concept: “The Linux kernel is the heart of the system.” |
\ | The backslash in a terminal view or command synopsis indicates an unfinished line. In other words, if you see a long command that is cut into multiple lines, \ means “Don't press Enter yet!” |
| See Chapter 1, What is Linux? | link to related subject within this guide. |
| The author | Clickable link to an external web resource. |
The following images are used:
It contains additional information or remarks.
It means be careful.
Be very careful.
Tips and tricks.