The following typographic and usage conventions occur in this text:
Table 1. Typographic and usage conventions
| Text type | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|
| "Quoted text" | Quotes from people, quoted computer output. | |
| Literal computer input and output captured from the terminal, usually rendered with a light grey background. | |
| command | Name of a command that can be entered on the command line. | |
| VARIABLE | Name of a variable or pointer to content of a variable, as in $VARNAME. | |
| option | Option to a command, as in "the -a option to the ls command". | |
| argument | Argument to a command, as in "read man ls". | |
command options arguments | Command synopsis or general usage, on a separated line. | |
| filename | Name of a file or directory, for example "Change to the /usr/bin directory." | |
| Key | Keys to hit on the keyboard, such as "type Q to quit". | |
| Graphical button to click, like the button. | ||
| -> | Choice to select from a graphical menu, for instance: "Select -> in your browser." | |
| Terminology | Important term or concept: "The Linux kernel is the heart of the system." | |
| The backslash in a terminal view or command synopsis indicates an unfinished line. In other words, if you see a long command that is cut into multiple lines, \ means "Don't press Enter yet!" | |
| See Chapter 1 | link to related subject within this guide. | |
| The author | Clickable link to an external web resource. |