More is not always better, especially at the command line. Lean text editors such as nano, JOE, and ee fit Linux novices and experts alike.

Environmental variables give users the ability to set up the command line to suit their own needs.

Working in the shell has many benefits. Pipelines, redirectors, and chains of commands give users almost infinite options.

Color-coding your prompt may help avoid configuration errors and data loss. We’ll show you how to design your own custom shell prompt with color and control sequences.

If your mobile phone contract includes GPRS mobile Internet service,
you can use a Bluetooth phone as a wireless modem for your Linux
portable computer.

What is the real meaning of those little “load average” values in the output of shell commands like procinfo and uptime, and what can you do with these numbers?

In the old days, shells were capable of little more than calling external programs and executing basic, internal commands. With all the bells and whistles in the latest versions of Bash, however, you hardly need the support of external tools.

Even the experts know there is always more to learn about scripting. In this month's cover story, we'll show you the Google Maps API, a networking framework for Python, and some other fine tools.