I've been using Linux for a couple weeks now, and I'd like to learn how to use Terminal. I can find the list of complete commands all over the internet; however, what good is the list if I have no idea what the command does? I also have this problem when trying to learn other systems' command line interfaces.

I guess what I'm getting at is: Is there anywhere that the commands are sorted in like, a "Use this command if you're trying to do this, etc.", rather than just an alphabetical list of random letters that only the more experienced can make sense out of? (Unless you're willing to sit there and read and memorize all the commands one by one... sorry, but some ppl do have lives, LOL!)

Thanks for your help.

If you haven't already found it, you should check out the Rute tutorial at http://www.icon.co.za/~psheer/book/ -- it's command line oriented and explains how to actually do things with the command line. I still refer to it even as a very experienced user.

I have found the man -k search_string command to be very useful. It searches man pages for the search string that you provide. For more info try man man. The whatis command is also very helpful.

You may want to check out Linux in a Nutshell (ISBN: 0596004826) by Ellen Siever and Aaron Weber, published by O'Reilly. Its a reference of tons and tons of commands and how to use them. Check it out at amazon.com.

Have fun!

use this command:
where keyword is what you want to do
btw: this is the same as:
i believe. correction?

Yes, $apropos KEYWORD is the same as $man -k KEYWORD

O'Reilly's Linux in a Nutshell may be of help. Also, see the link in my sig.