How to Open Shell Prompt in Linux

Linux is a free, open-source operating system and a powerful alternative to Windows and OS X. Unlike other operating systems, Linux is distributed by a wide variety of developers. Each distribution of Linux has features that differentiate it from other distributions, but most use either the GNOME or KDE desktop environments. When you need to issue a command to the operating system, you can open a shell prompt from the GNOME or KDE menu.

Instructions

Opening a Shell in KDE

1. Click the "K-Menu" icon on your desktop.

2. Highlight the "System" option to open a submenu.

3. Click "Konsole" from the "System" submenu to open a shell prompt.

Opening a Shell Prompt in GNOME

1. Click the "Gnome" icon on your desktop.

2. Highlight "Applications" to open the "Application" menu.

3. Highlight "System Tools" to open the "System Tools" submenu.

4. Click "Terminal" from the "System Tools" submenu to open a shell prompt.

Tips & Warnings

• Some Linux distributions come prepackaged with more than one shell prompt.

References

• Linuxtopia: Opening a Shell Prompt
• Ubuntu: Terminal