terminal basics: installing 'Guake' via terminal

The other day I mentioned an application called Guake. I thought I would share this app with you as it’s very useful for users just getting used to the terminal.

First - What is a terminal?

from the Ubuntu Manual:

Most operating systems, including Ubuntu, have two types of user interfaces.

The first is a graphical user interface (GUI). This is the desktop, windows, menus, and toolbars that you click to get things done. The second, and much older, type of interface is the command-line interface (CLI).

The terminal is Ubuntu’s command-line interface. It is a method of controlling some aspects of Ubuntu using only commands that you type on the keyboard.

In Windows, the program “cmd.exe” will provide the user with command Line Interface:

Why would I want to use the terminal?

For the average Ubuntu user, most day-to-day activities can be completed without ever needing to open the terminal. However, the terminal is a powerful and invaluable tool that can be used to perform many useful tasks. For example:

‣ Troubleshooting any difficulties that may arise when using Ubuntu some-

times requires you to use the terminal.

‣ A command-line interface is sometimes a faster way to accomplish a task.

For example, it is often easier to perform operations on many files at once using the terminal.

‣ Learning the command-line interface is the first step towards more advanced troubleshooting, system administration, and software development skills. If you are interested in becoming a developer or an advanced Ubuntu user, knowledge of the command-line will be essential.

For me, the most frequent reason for using the terminal is when I want to try out a new program that I found (on great blogs like WebUpd8). Also, I sometimes need to enter a command in order to resolve an issue I have (usually found through the Ubuntu forums). In either case you might see a command like this which you will need to enter into a terminal:

Guake - Any easy to use terminal

Guake is a terminal that’s always available when you need it. By clicking on the “F12” key on your keyboard the terminal automatically drops down from the top of your screen like a HUD. You can also click on the indicator icon in the system tray if you prefer.

To install Guake open a terminal (this is your first test :) by going to the main menu (in Ubuntu Classic) and selecting “Accessories>Terminal”. and then cut & past this command:

sudo apt-get install guake

You will be asked to enter the Administrator password (which I hope you remembered from when you installed Ubuntu). End the password and press enter.

This does require you to be connected to the internet so make sure your connection is up.

If you prefer not using the CLI just yet but still want to install Guake, you can do it the other way by going into the Ubuntu Software Center and searching for the application ‘Guake”. From there just click on install and follow any instructions.

 

For more info on the terminal (with a simple example you can follow) and Ubuntu in general, please check out the Ubuntu Manual.