===== Opening a shell =====

Depending on your operating system, there are different ways to open a shell (or a terminal)

===== Linux =====

If you are working on a linux box and you have [[wp>X_Window_System|X window]] support((Not when you are connecting to a remote computer via //ssh//, then you don't have to worry about opening a shell because you already in it)), right click on the screen and a pop-up window will appear.

<figure>
{{general:images:computerenvironment:open-terminal.png?400 |}}
<caption><fs 0.9em>The desktop of a typical Ubuntu Linux distribution</fs></caption>
</figure>

If you select the item //Terminal// a shell will open in your browser.

<figure>

{{:general:images:computerenvironment:terminal.png?400|}}
<caption><fs 0.9em>A Linux terminal
</fs></caption></figure>


If that doesn't work, simply open the "Activities" menu by either clicking on the text in the upper left corner or by hitting the "Windows" key. Then, type 'terminal' and click on "Terminal" or "Terminator".  

===== Mac OS =====

If you are using Mac OS, just open Applications - Utilities - Terminal Alternatively, you can install [[https://www.xquartz.org/|XQuartz]], which provides support for the X windows system as well.


<figure>
{{general:images:computerenvironment:terminal-mac.png?400|}}
<caption><fs 0.8 em>Opening the terminal application in Mac OS</fs></caption>
</figure>

Once you have started the terminal something like the following will appear
<figure>
{{:general:images:diverse:shell.png?400|}}
<caption><fs 0.8 em>The terminal in Mac OS</fs></caption>
</figure>

===== Windows =====
Most Windows operating systems don't ship with a terminal application. We suggest to install [[https://mobaxterm.mobatek.net/|MobaXterm]].

After downloading the installer, double-click it and click through the installation process.

Once you have started MobaXterm, you can start an emulated BASH shell by clicking on "Start local terminal" on the welcome screen (Figure {{ref>mobax}}).

<figure mobax>
{{ :general:computerenvironment:mobaxterm.png?600 |}}
<caption>
**Starting a local session with MobaXterm opens a BASH-like terminal.**
</caption>
</figure>

<WRAP tabs>
   * [[general:computerenvironment|Computer Environment]]
</WRAP>