| "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". |
| Button | Graphical button to click, like the OK
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. |
