Installation guide

C H A P T E R 5 Using the VMware Service Console
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Common Linux Commands Used on the Service Console
The service console runs a modified version of Linux, and many of the commands
available on Linux or Unix are also available on the service console. This section
summarizes the most commonly used commands. For more detailed information, see
Getting Help for Service Console Commands on page 206 or consult a Linux reference
book.
Manipulating Files
To navigate through the directory structure and manipulate files and directories, you
must have proper permissions. In some areas of the file system, your abilities may be
restricted when you are logged in as an ordinary user. You may need to log in as root,
also known as the super user (su), to perform some tasks.
Command Example and Explanation
cd Change directories.
cd /home/user
Change to the directory /home/user (the home directory for a user with the user
name user).
cd ..
Go up one level from the current directory.
cp Copy a file.
cp oldfile newfile
Make a copy of the file oldfile in the current directory. The copy is named
newfile.
cp oldfile /home/user
Make a copy of the file oldfile in the current directory. The copy also has the name
oldfile and is in the directory /home/user.
ln Create a link from one file or directory to another file or directory.
ln -s /bin/program prolink
Create a soft link (shortcut) from the existing file /bin/program to prolink. The
link prolink is created in the current working directory. If you enter the command
prolink, you run the program /bin/program.