Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 Administration Unleashed

Shell Basics 103TABLE 4.1Continued/var//var/log//etc//proc//dev/Variable data files such as spool files and log filesLog files, can include subdirectoriesConfiguration files, can include subdirectoriesKernel virtual filesystemDevice filesShell BasicsEven though Red Hat Enterprise Linux provides a graphical desktop and graphical applicationsfor most administration tasks, it is wise to know the basics of the command line,also known as the shell prompt. For example, you will need to know how to use the shellprompt if you are accessing a system remotely without X forwarding, working with asystem that does not have a graphical desktop installed, trying to diagnose a problemwith the X Window System, or booting into rescue mode without a graphical desktop.4There are two ways to start a shell prompt. If the X Window System is not installed, thesystem defaults to a black screen with a login prompt. After you log in, you are at a shellprompt. If you have a graphical desktop installed, log into the system at the graphicallogin screen, and then start a shell prompt by clicking on the Applications menu on thetop panel and selecting Accessories, Terminal. A terminal window as shown in Figure 4.3will appear.FIGURE 4.3Starting a TerminalOnce in the terminal window or after logging in at the text-based login prompt,commands can be executed to navigate around the filesystem, read files, start applications,and perform administrative tasks.