I'm transitioning from Windows to Linux Mint Cinnamon on my home PC and I want to gather some clever, time-saving tips that aren't immediately obvious just by using the system. I've learned a few tricks like taking screenshots, using quick copy-paste methods (like left-mark and middle-click), and the xkill command. But I'm curious about what other features or shortcuts people find helpful—especially those that could make daily tasks easier for users who aren't very tech-savvy. I'm particularly interested in features that might vary between different desktop environments and distributions.
2 Answers
Learn to use tab-completion! Just hit the key while typing and it will help complete commands, file names, or directory names. It really speeds things up. Plus, when you're entering passwords in the terminal where you don’t see any feedback (like asterisks), just type your password and hit enter—it’s working even if you can’t see it! And don’t skip reading program messages; they often hint at what’s going on, which is crucial for troubleshooting.
If you find yourself often forgetting to use `sudo`, a neat trick is to type `sudo !!` and it repeats your last command with `sudo` in front. It’s super handy! You can also use commands like `!$` to get the last argument from your previous command without retyping it. Just type `cat !$` after a previous `ls` command to view a file you just listed. If you're new to these shortcuts, you can set up some settings in your terminal to help you verify the command before execution—it’s a great way to avoid mistakes as you learn!
Haha, yeah! It’s always shocking at first when you realize your input is just disappearing. Definitely a learning curve!