How to Open the Command Line

What is the command line?

The command line is a screen where you type words to tell a computer what to do. You do not click buttons. You type a command and press Enter.

It is like sending a text message to your computer. It looks plain, but it is powerful. Many server guides use it.

Open it on your own computer

Windows

1. Press the Windows key.
2. Type cmd or PowerShell.
3. Press Enter. A dark window opens.

Mac

1. Press Command and Space together.
2. Type Terminal.
3. Press Enter.

Linux

1. Press Ctrl, Alt and T together. This opens the terminal on many systems.
2. Or search your apps for Terminal.

Open the command line on your server

To reach your server you use SSH. SSH is a safe way to control another computer over the internet. You need the server's IP address, a username and a password. Your welcome email may list them. If not, ask Hostvento support. You can open a support ticket. Some hosting plans do not include SSH, so ask support if you are not sure.

1. Open the command line on your computer, as shown above.

   

2. Type this, using your own username and server address:

ssh username@your-server-ip

This asks to connect to your server.

3. The first time, you may be asked to trust the server. Type yes and press Enter.

   

4. Type your password and press Enter. You will not see the letters as you type. This is normal.
5. You are in when you see a line ending in $ or #.

Try a few safe commands

pwd

This shows which folder you are in.

ls

This lists the files in that folder.

exit

This closes your SSH session.

Quick recap

• The command line is a screen where you type instructions.
• Open Command Prompt, Terminal or PowerShell on your computer.
• Use SSH to reach your server.
• Password letters stay hidden while you type.
• Type exit to leave.