In Mac OS X, what is the Terminal, and how do I access it?

The Terminal is the easiest way to access the Unix prompt in Mac OS X. If you are familiar with Unix, you may recognize its similarity to xterm implementations in Linux and other Unix-like operating systems; if not, the Terminal's non-graphical environment may be intimidating. However, it allows you to use built-in command line programs such as telnet, SSH, and SFTP, and is required for some advanced Mac OS X tasks.

Opening a Terminal window

To open a Terminal window:

1. In the Finder, from the Go menu, choose Applications.
   
   
2. In the Applications window, double-click Utilities, and then double-click Terminal.

Note: Be careful to enter commands precisely; entering the wrong command can render your computer unusable or cause other problems.

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