3 [Back To The Menu](http://github.com/thehackerwithin/UofCSCBC2012/)
4 - [Forward to Python Variables](http://github.com/thehackerwithin/UofCSCBC2012/tree/master/2a-PythonVariables/)
8 **Presented By : Milad Fatenejad**
10 **Based on a presentation By: ??????**
12 # What is the shell how do I access the shell?
14 The *shell* is a program that presents a command line interface
15 which allows you to control your computer using commands entered
16 with a keyboard instead of controlling graphical user interfaces
17 (GUIs) with a mouse/keyboard combination.
19 A *terminal* is a program you run that gives you access to the
20 shell. There are many different terminal programs that vary across
21 operating systems. To open the default terminal in Ubuntu, just
22 click... or just use CTRL+ALT+t
24 There are many reasons to learn about the shell. In my opinion, the
25 most important reasons are that:
27 1. It is very common to encounter the shell and
28 command-line-interfaces in scientific computing, so you will
29 probably have to learn it eventually
31 2. The shell is a really powerful way of interacting with your
32 computer. GUIs and the shell are complementary - by knowing both
33 you will greatly expand the range of tasks you can accomplish with
34 your computer. You will also be able to perform many tasks more