== Command Line Basics ==

== Command Line Basics ==

Working with a command line is a never-ending cycle of:

Working with a command line is a cycle (i.e., a loop) of:

# The computer indicating that it is ready for the next command (via a ''prompt'')

# The computer indicating that it is ready for the next command (via a ''prompt'')

# The user (you) typing in a command

# The user (you) typing in a command

When you connect to a command line for the first time, the working directory typically starts at your user account's ''home directory''.  This is the folder in which your user account is allowed to create files and otherwise do all kinds of other work.  Most computers today have this concept; on Windows computers, your home directory is typically displayed as a folder icon with a name like ''Joe's Documents''.  On Mac OS X computers, the home directory is typically displayed as a house icon with the same name as your login.

When you connect to a command line for the first time, the working directory typically starts at your user account's ''home directory''.  This is the folder in which your user account is allowed to create files and otherwise do all kinds of other work.  Most computers today have this concept; on Windows computers, your home directory is typically displayed as a folder icon with a name like ''Joe's Documents''.  On Mac OS X computers, the home directory is typically displayed as a house icon with the same name as your login.