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Linux issues - beginners

Linux Issues - common questions for beginners




How do I get started using unix?


I still need help...

  • Here are some tips on finding help within Linux.
    • Man Pages
      • These are Help pages with Linux
      • Type "man" then the command you need help with.
      • This example will display all options associated with the "ls" command for listing contents of a directory:

Example: %man ls


My jobs are not running. What do I do?

Here are some tips for finding out common problems:


Check your disk usage to find out if you have reached your quota.

  • Use the "du" command which tells you how much space a file or directory occupies.
  • The "-sk" switches will tell you the size of the directory in kilobytes.

Example: %du -sk

  • Use the "ls" list directory command with the "-alt" switches to list all files and permissions.

Example: %ls -alt


Check to see what other processes you have running using the "ps" command:

Example: %ps -u (your_username)

Example: %ps -u username


Stop unused processes using the "kill" command. Look for the PID using the "ps" command.

Example: %kill (pid)

Example: %kill 29554


Look for a runaway process using the "top" command. 

  • This happens when a process enters a never-ending loop or if it takes up too much CPU.

Example: %top

  • Then look under the CPU and USERNAME columns. 
  • If you have a process running close to 99%, then you better kill it using the "kill" command.


How to I end a task?

  • CNTRL-C
  • If you hit CNTRL-D, it just moves what you are working on into the background. It does not stop it.


How do I end a Unix session? 

  • Type "exit" at the command prompt.

Example  %exit




You Tube video - Linux Terminal commands and navigation for Beginners - Part1


If you are a total beginner, watch this:

Linux Terminal commands and navigation for Beginners -Part1