Terminal (emulator)

The terminal itself is a physical device that allows inputting and receiving information from a computer. The most important thing is that it is not necessary for the processing of instructions and data to be carried out on the terminal itself.

Certainly, in today’s world, it is common to interact with the operating system in text mode. Well, in most cases, we will not refer to this meaning of terminal. In fact, the correct term refers to the so-called terminal emulators. These allow us to use text mode within a graphical user interface. This other class of terminals are merely applications that run and give us access to a shell. In fact, they usually allow multiple shell types to be used. This is the case, for example, of Windows Terminal. By default, we will be able to manage the following: Windows PowerShell, PowerShell, Command Prompt, Azure Cloud Shell, the multiple distributions we have installed in the Linux Subsystem (WSL), etc.

On the other hand, Windows Terminal is not the only Windows terminal emulator. Indeed, there are MobaXterm, Cmder, ConEmu and others. However, in the case of Unix-based systems (Linux, *BSD, macOS), the catalog of available terminals is multiplied to infinity. In fact, each desktop environment usually offers its own (Gnome Terminal in GNOME, Konsole in KDE, iTerm in macOS…). But it is also possible to install third-party alternatives for all tastes (Terminator, Alacritty, Guake, st…).

Each terminal emulator differs by offering its own graphical interfaces, functionalities, and configuration options. For example, keyboard shortcuts, font and background customization, clipboard management, etc.

Consola [Virtual]

Console is a term that is often used inconsistently. In fact, even more so than the other terms in this list. Additionally, multiple definitions are available on the Internet. In fact, the discrepancies start even in the origin of the word. For some, the old physical console is exactly the same as a physical terminal. On the other hand, others introduce certain nuances, considering the former as a subset of the latter.

What happens when we talk about virtual console? What happens when we talk about virtual console? Many sources consider it, also, synonymous with (terminal emulator.) However, it would be more correct to refer to it as a shell session. Let’s see, let’s suppose we open a terminal emulator and start typing commands directly. In that case, we are, effectively, using a terminal and a console.

On the other hand, suppose we open two tabs in the terminal emulator, whether they are from the same shell. In that case, we are already using two consoles. It can also happen that we subdivide a tab using tools such as a multiplexer (for example, Tmux), or functions such as split table of Windows Terminal. In such a case, the number of consoles will continue to multiply, even if we are only using a single terminal.

In addition, when using a Linux system, we always have several consoles open (although not visible). We are talking about the so-called ‘TTY’, which we can access with the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + Alt + function key (one per key). Part of them will be graphic consoles. However, the others will be text consoles, each running in parallel with the others. Additionally, all of them working outside our graphical environment, so we would not be using them from terminal emulators.

Shell

We have already mentioned, when talking about terminals, several examples of different shells that can be found in Windows. As with terminals, the number of shells in Unix systems multiplies. Certainly, Bash is usually installed as the default shell. However, it is possible to change it for different ones, such as the very popular Zsh. Remember that macOS ended up adopting it as a default shell. Other options include the emerging Fish, the old Ksh and Tcsh, or minority options such as Xonsh.

The function of the shell is to interpret the commands we enter. You might think that there can’t be much difference in how some commands are interpreted. However, there are many variables to watch out for. For example, the different syntax of the scripts, or aspects such as the possibility of creating aliases and defining variables. Also, the existence of syntax highlighting or auto-completion functions. Likewise, the way in which the system output is displayed on the screen. Well, all these elements can make the user experience vary significantly depending on which shell we use.

Command interpreter (or command line)

Every shell is a command interpreter. However, not every shell is a shell. A command interpreter (also called CLI), is any software that interacts with us through the input of text commands. Some CLIs run on top of a shell and are not intended to be a way to control the operating system. Instead, they aim to be just a very specific software or online service. Examples of this can be NPM, IPython, GitHub CLI, AWS CLI or our favorite SSH client. Very well, in this way we have made clear the differences between terminal, console, shell and command line. Bye!

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The default Windows 11 console: Windows Terminal

The arrival of Windows 11 has brought with it a renewal that has taken quite a few users surprised. Nothing more and nothing less than the establishment of Windows Terminal as command line and console by default of Windows 11. Let us remember that this comes after its incorporation to Windows 10. We are talking about the system command line application.

Windows Terminal was introduced a few years ago. Specifically, at the Build 2019 event. In addition, from the beginning it has had a clear function: to serve as a command line tool, but renewed. Not in vain, its development was outside the Windows work team. In addition, its code was released, and free. All wrapped in a very recognizable air of Linux, a system that Windows is getting closer and closer to.

Increased benefits

This tool is more powerful than the command line of previous versions. In fact, it can manage the basic command console present on the computer since Windows NT. But it also runs the more advanced PowerShell console, available since Windows Vista. With the latter, in addition to using the command prompt, it is possible to create commands and combine them through sequences. However, to do so, you need to have some programming skills. Specifically, in C#.

In addition, you can have additional tabs for other tools open at the same time. This is the case of WSL 2, the second version of a Linux subsystem for Microsoft Windows. Its mission is to run Linux distributions. In addition to applications created for this system, within Windows itself. In short, Windows Terminal already works as a unifying tool for the different Windows command lines and consoles. However, this does not mean that it has eliminated the other two Windows command line applications installed on the system: CMD (or command line) and PowerShell.

Access to the command console in Windows 11

There are several ways to access the console through the command prompt. To use one of the fastest ones, the first thing you have to do is to open the Windows Finder, and type in it CMD. Before it opens, note that you can choose whether you want it to run in user mode or administrator mode. In the first case, you will be able to use it with various limitations. However, in exchange, there will be fewer unforeseen events if the user is not very experienced or is not interested in having access to various resources and options. You can also access through the Run tool, through the Finder in the Start menu.

PowerShell can also be accessed through the Windows Finder. But in this case, what you have to type in it is PowerShell. As for the Windows Terminal, until this version 11 it was not installed by default. Therefore, it was necessary to download that tool from its Microsoft Store page, and install it afterwards.

If you have this tool installed, or if you are using Windows 11, you only need to access it. Remember that you will be able to access, in different tabs, to PowerShell or to the command line. And it’s opening in Windows 11 is as simple as selecting the corresponding option in the contextual menu that appears when clicking with the right button of the mouse.

The main Windows terminal commands

It doesn’t matter which application or tool you use to access the command line. In text mode, in any of them you will have to use the same commands as in previous versions. Just as if you were using the old MS-DOS, but with slight differences. For example, you have :customization possibilities (although small), some colors and even tabs in the case of Windows Terminal.

To use any command, you only have to type it, followed by its modifiers in case it supports them, and you need them, and press the Enter key. The results of applying the command will be practically immediate. Below you have a list of the most useful commands for the Windows command line are the following:

Another Windows terminal commands

• Chkdsk: Checks what state a given disk drive is in. Either a disk partition or a volume. It also generates, and displays on screen, a report of how the examined drive or partition is. In addition to this, it can correct some errors that the disk may present. In the case of locating damaged sectors on it, it can even recover the information they contain.
• Systeminfo: This command is also responsible for displaying information, but in this case, about the entire operating system. It displays information about the computer’s processor, the RAM used and available, the BIOS, the virtual memory used and available, and who manufactured the motherboard. Furthermore, what version of the system is installed, as well as what updates it has.
• Dir: Returns a list of the files and subdirectories in a directory. To move from one directory to another, use the CD command, with the appropriate modifier.
• Del: Deletes one or more files from the folder, even if the file does not allow deletion when using the Windows GUI to try to delete it.
• Diskpart: Disk drive management, internal or external. It has disk management functions, both whole disks and partitions. Even works for virtual disks.
• Format: Formats a disk drive and prepares it to install Windows.
• Help: Displays a list of all the commands that can be used in the console. It can also be used to learn details about the operation of a command, if used with Help + command name.

Continuation of the list

• IPconfig: Its mission is to provide information about the TCO/IP network configuration values at the time the query is made. It also updates the DNS and DHCP settings.
• Ping: Checks that there is communication between the local computer and a remote computer on an IP network (or with several). It is also used to check the status and quality of a network, as well as its transmission speed.
• Netstat – Provides information about the network, as well as the opportunity to perform analysis and diagnostics of its status. It is also used to find out which IP address is behind a domain name.
• Nslookup: This command is used to know, in case of a connection problem, if a DNS is resolving properly both IPs and names. It also returns the list of incoming and outgoing connections to a computer.
• Tracert: With this command you can find out which packets are coming from a point in a network, as well as their latency, among other information.

These are certainly not the only commands you can use. However, perhaps the most used and the most useful for users of a Windows system with some experience using the Windows console. However, if you want to know the rest, as we have mentioned, you only have to resort to the Help command for further information. In this way, we have seen the main Windows Terminal commands. See you later!

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How to use Windows 10 terminal help.

In particular, the help allows you to obtain the complete list of available commands. Don’t worry, there are actually not many. This is something we can do from the command prompt. Additionally, there is no distinction between a normal user and an administrator. Please note that the terminal is not case-sensitive, so it makes no difference whether we use lower case or upper case. With this in mind, we will use the following command:

HELP

Consequently, we will be able to develop the help of each particular command. Specifically, help shows the function of the command as such. However, it does not display the complete help for a command. I mean, all the commands we saw in the previous list have their help section. This applies even to the command prompt itself. In effect, the help opens another instance of the terminal. l. To use the help in a command, type the command followed by /? Using this syntax:

BREAK /?

CD /?

The information may be more extensive than what is shown in the window. Consequently, it is offered to press some keys to move to the next information screen. Another way to do this is to use the command:

HELP DIR

How to clean the terminal screen.

After executing and executing commands, the screen will logically fill up with characters. Consequently, it is likely that at some point we will want to clean them up. With this in mind, we will use the following command:

CLS

How to force the termination of a command.

Occasionally, we run a command, and it is taking a long time to finish. Or we simply run it accidentally. Consequently, if you want to finish it in a forced way, then you must press the combination Ctrl + C, and it will finish:

How to view the command history and use them again.

The Windows terminal has a buffer where it stores the last executed commands, whether correct or erroneous. This serves to speed up the tasks we do. Consequently, we will be able to reuse them if we press the Up or Down arrow keys on the Prompt. Additionally, we can write the last command by pressing the Right directional key. We can also display the complete list of commands. To accomplish this, just press F7.

Using directory navigation.

One of the most used functions of the CMD is to be able to navigate through the file directories. To display the directory where you are currently located, please use the following command:

DIR

Note that you can expand the information by using the help command shown above.

On the other hand, we can show the content of any directory even if we are not inside it. To achieve this, just type DIR and then the full or relative path:

DIR <directory path>

Directories in the operating system have a tree-like composition. Consequently, we will go up as we go deeper into folders and subfolders. On the contrary, we will go down if we go out of them.

CD <directory path>

CD..

How to create directories with the Windows terminal.

Next we will see another command related to directory navigation. Specifically, we will see how to create folders, with or without additional properties. The command will be as follows:

MKDIR <path where the new directory will be created>

Let’s learn to erase as well

We have seen how to create directories and files. Well, we can also delete them via commands. Specifically, we will use the DEL command to delete files and the RD command to delete directories.

DEL <file path>

RD <directory path>

It is also possible to copy and paste.

This Windows classic could not be missed. Yes, the Windows terminal also allows copy and paste. Let’s see the syntax:

XCOPY <path of file or directory to copy> <path of the location where to paste>

You only have to select the origin and after a space to add the destination. In addition, there are arguments to recursively copy the entire contents of a directory, to overwrite the contents already existing in the destination and others. It even works with shared drives over the network, as if we do it graphically.

Complete files and view files on the go.

This option is intended to speed up navigation. All commands that take paths or filenames as arguments allow auto-completion of the filename. For this purpose, just start typing the name of the folder or file. Then press TAB and the name will be completed. Note that the path is enclosed in quotes to allow for spaces, accents and other characters.

Running simultaneous or conditional commands in Windows terminal

In some cases, the Windows terminal behaves like the GNU/Linux terminal. Indeed, it can execute multiple commands succeeding or under certain conditions. This option becomes relevant for scripts that are executed line by line and small programs created by the user. Check the characters to be added:

[…] & […] 

Let’s see how they are used. With the symbol & we will be indicating to the terminal to run the second command when it finishes running the first one. Independently of the result of the first command. To clarify, it is an AND function. For example:

ipconfig /release & ipconfig /renew

In this case, the status of the network connections will be checked first. Then the IP address and the configuration of all of them will be renewed.

Let’s look at another use:

[…] && […]

We are talking about a classic if conditional. In effect, the second command will only be executed if the first one has shown a successful result or has concluded correctly. If the first command fails, the second command will not be executed either. Let’s see:

cd Documents\folder && mkdir Documents\folder\docs

We will only create the docs directory if we have been able to access Documents first. Let’s look at another use:

[…] || […]

In this case, the second command will only be executed if the first one has not been executed successfully. In fact, it is just the opposite of the previous command. Specifically, it is an if-but-no command:

cd Documents\folder || mkdir Documents\folder

For this condition, we will only create the folder directory if we have not been able to access it because it did not previously exist. These are certainly simple examples, but they can be very useful when executing more complex tasks.

Conclusion

Very well, in last instance we have seen how to use the terminal of Windows 10. I hope to have clarified your doubts, if you want some topic in particular, let us know in the comments. Bye!

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What is a command terminal

On Microsoft desktop systems, it is known as the command prompt. It actually functions as a command interpreter. In addition, it is available on the vast majority of operating systems. It behaves as a control element for the same, but at a low level.

In addition, it is a system-integrated tool. Therefore, it can perform most of the tasks that we do in the traditional way in Windows 10. If the graphical interface and windows are not available, then the command terminal will be the only option to manage an operating system. As we mentioned, this element is present in GNU/Linux, where it has a great weight in the management of the system. But it is also a functional tool in Windows, macOS and the vast majority of operating systems.

How a terminal and a command interpreter works

A command interpreter is nothing more than a program with the ability to translate commands typed by the user. To accomplish this, it uses a set of instructions that allow direct control of aspects of the system, as well as the set of tools that are part of it. Let’s suppose you want to access the contents of a folder in Windows 10. In that case, just double-click on the folder to see its contents. The same applies if you want to run any tool. For example, notepad. You just double-click on it and that’s it. Well, with the command prompt, we can do the same using commands:

PROMPT>ls C:\folder path

PROMPT>notepad

These commands must be entered following a specific syntax within the terminal emulator. Through a PROMPT waiting to be entered. These commands are related to system functions. In addition, they can function in different ways using arguments. These are additional options placed after the command that qualify the operation. In addition, it is often necessary to place the path to the folder or file involved.

A little history of the Windows terminal.

The advent of the command terminal dates back to the appearance of the first operating systems. Moreover, it was the only possible way to manage instructions in them. In this respect, IBM’s UNIX was a trend-setter in the 1970s. It was certainly not the first, but it had the functions most similar to those of today’s systems.

However, this system required a rather complex code for its control. Therefore, we must go back to 1981 with the appearance of MS-DOS to see a command terminal behaving as such. In addition, the implementation of systems with a layer between machine and user that could be controlled more easily from commands and scripts was encouraged through medium and high-level programming languages such as C or C++.

COMMAND.COM marked the beginning

COMMAND.COM was the tool in charge of performing the system control as an integral part of the system itself. Even part of the commands used in Windows today come from it. Remember that there was no graphical interface, so everything was done on a black or blue screen and plain text. This tool was also in charge of loading the system configuration during startup. The architecture evolved and the capacity to process graphics appeared. Thus, Windows NT, Microsoft’s first window-based system, was born. This was a huge qualitative leap. In effect, the command interface was replaced by the use of the mouse in a graphical environment with windows and icons. In fact, it set the trend for the system as we know it today.

Things have certainly changed. Unlike COMMAND.COM, the current Windows command terminal is just another application in the system, acting as a command emulator. Consequently, it is not an integral part of the system, and as such does not load its configuration or DLL that control its operation. However, there are still functions emanating from the graphical interface to the CMD to be executed. In addition, some scripts are opened in the terminal.

How to use the Windows 10 terminal

We have already determined that it is a terminal. Now it is time to determine how to use it. As already mentioned, the terminal is a command interpreter. Therefore, it needs an understandable string. When you open it, the only visible element will be the PROMPT. This is a line that informs the user of the path to the user’s home directory. Therefore, it will be the default location where the commands will be executed. However, this can be changed.

When the command is entered, it will not be executed until the Enter key is pressed. The sequence is immediately parsed by cmd or directly by the program it represents. In fact, within the command prompt we can run other programs, such as DISKPART. The response of the terminal is according to the command given. It may be to display information in text form within the terminal itself. It can also be the execution of an application in the foreground or background, or an error message when it does not understand the command.

User permissions for the Windows terminal

One thing you should consider is the permissions granted by the user to use the terminal. Certainly, the systems are multi-user and are based on sessions opened by each one of them. Furthermore, not all have the same privileges and permissions to run apps. More than all, there are administrators and guest or limited users.

In GNU/Linux is where the user permission system is more prioritized. However, Windows also has its method. However, every time we create a new user, this one will have Administrator privileges. On the other hand, the figure of root or superuser that Linux has more clearly does not appear. This can be seen when installing any app. In effect, a window will appear asking for administrator permissions to continue. In addition, the type of users will be shown in the terminal window. A command prompt as administrator will show the path to the System32 directory.

How to access the command prompt.

The easiest way to access the Windows terminal is through the start menu. You can follow the path: Windows Start>Windows System>System symbol. A more expeditious way is to type CMD in the search button and launch the app.

Another way is through the Run tool. Just press Win+R and type CMD. Finally, press Enter.

Now we will see how to open the tool with administrator privileges. Just select the corresponding option from the search menu.

As an additional tip, if you decide to launch the terminal from the run box, then just press the Shift+Ctrl combination when pressing Enter. This way, the tool will run in Administrator mode.

Accessing from the Windows installation and recovery menu.

One of the most crucial uses of the Windows terminal is when we do not have access to the graphical interface of the system. This could happen due to failures that do not allow us to log in correctly. It is also possible after continuous system reboots. In such cases, CDM is a way to try to repair Windows before having to reinstall it. Fortunately, the Windows installation system has access to the command prompt. It is also possible to access it from the system repair menu. This is displayed after three failed boot attempts.

Consequently, you just have to boot from the installation drive as shown in this tutorial. The difference is that you have to click on Repair your computer. You will then be redirected to the recovery menu. Please click on troubleshoot. Depending on your system version, you may need to click on Advanced options. Either way, just click on the Command Prompt.

For the system recovery menu, the path is as follows: Troubleshoot>Advanced Options>Command Prompt. This menu is activated after 3 unsuccessful system startup attempts. Alternatively, you can press shift by choosing Restart from the Windows startup menu.

Customizing the look and feel of the Windows terminal

Maybe you didn’t know it, but it is possible to customize the appearance of the Windows terminal. It is not an indispensable element, but it can serve to increase the user experience. With this in mind, please right-click on the status bar. Then select Properties.

In the Options tab, there are some parameters related to the operation of the terminal. Some of them are:

• Cursor size: simply affects the cursor we see as we type. We recommend using the small size to avoid confusion when the Insert mode is activated.
• Command history: this is a buffer where the last commands executed in the session are stored.
• Editing options: impact how commands are typed and how information is copied to the terminal.

In the Font tab, we can configure the appearance and size of the font inside the terminal.

In the Layout section, you can change the window size and screen buffer size when starting the tool.

Moreover, In the Colors tab, there is a lot to customize. You can customize the color of the terminal window content, its text and even pop-up windows. In addition, we can individualize the changes to observe the preview. It is even possible to set the opacity of the terminal window.

Finally, in the terminal section, we set the color and shape of the cursor. We can also set the color of the terminal font. In addition to other elements related to the appearance of the terminal.

Very well, ultimately we have seen that it is the Windows terminal. We have shown you the general concepts to start using this powerful tool. In later posts, we will show you the elements of use of the Windows terminal. See you soon!

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What are the most downloaded PowerShell Gallery packages?

This gallery currently has 66,367 packages. They have almost 3.2 billion downloads. Some of these packages have been developed by Microsoft itself. However, others have been created by the PowerShell user community. Below we will take a look at the most popular package types.

• NetworkingDsc: DSC resources to configure aspects related to networks.
• PSWindowsUpdate: This module contains cmdlets to manage the Windows Update client.
• Az.Accounts: Module with cmdlets to manage user accounts in Azure Resource Manager.
• PackageManagement: A package manager for accessing software over the Internet.
• Computer ManagementDsc: DSC resources related to aspects of computer administration such as task scheduling, virtual memory management, power settings, etc.

Basic aspects of the mode of use

PowerShellGet is a very useful module. It allows any user to use the gallery to load, detect and download all kinds of packages. However, it is first necessary to install the latest version of NuGet. With this in mind, you have to use the following command:

Install-PackageProvider -Name NuGet -Force

If we do not do this and try to use it, then PowerShell itself will offer to install it. To search for modules related to Active Directory, then the system will display the following:

After installation, it is possible to start searching for the package:

Once the package is located, it can be installed. To do so, just run Install-Module. So the syntax would be as follows:

Install-Module -Name PowerShellGet

We have discussed the possibility of installing scripts. For this purpose, just add Install-Script followed by the name of the script. On the other hand, it is also possible to update the installed modules and scripts. With this in mind, we will use the Update-Module or Update-Script commands. Finally, it is also possible to check what is installed from the PowerShell Gallery. Just use the Get-InstalledModule and Get-InstalledScript commands. Ultimately we have seen what the PowerShell Gallery is. So you have at hand this package manager nurtured by Microsoft. Bye!

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