Definition of Shell, and Shell account

[LittleGreenGecko]

:confused: I was wondering if someone would help me, I am attempting to define Shell, and a Shell account. Will anyone please help in defining these two things.

Also, if you have a moment, please tell me if you have a comprehensive (install, configuration, programming, Gui programming, device drivers, etc.) linux site where someone who codes on Windows, has never seen or heard of Linux, and wants to learn about it, would go. (NOTE: they are technically adept, so don't hold back.)

[Rob 'Feztaa' Park]

Technically adept and hasn't heard of linux? There's a contradiction in terms if I ever saw one :)

A shell is a program that translates what the user types into what the computer should do - IE, the shell gives you a prompt, and you type in the name of a command, then the shell executes that command for you.

A shell account is like a shell, except it's on someone else's computer. IE, if you have a shell account with your ISP, that means you can log into your ISP's computer, and they give you a shell to execute unix commands on. If you run unix/linux at home, you really don't have anything to gain from a shell account. I think shell accounts are mostly designed for people who run windows at home, but need to access unix, so they get a shell account that they can telnet into from home.

[Unruly]

shell, as in, command line interpreter...

most people liken it to DOS... it is, in a way, but with the potential usablity far beyond that of any DOS version (or windows for that matter)

shell account is a process in which one would log into said machine and use said "shell" via something like SSH (secure SHELL) or telnet. This is when said individual has no local shell access, and doesn't want/feel like installing one (or, formatting and installing an OS with one)

Perl.com, Python.org, http://www.cuj.com/
http://www.google.com/ie (paired down version of the regular google) or http://www.google.com/linux -- for more linux related, less pr0n sites.

I would suguest picking up a book on linux programming if you want to take that sort of route...

[LittleGreenGecko]

ok, so technically adept was incorrect.

Let me put it this way, I am not dummie, and I am trying to get as much information as I can, on setting up, and running linux so that it fits and meets all of my needs. :D

[jon787]

Originally posted by LittleGreenGecko:
<STRONG>ok, so technically adept was incorrect.

Let me put it this way, I am not dummie, and I am trying to get as much information as I can, on setting up, and running linux so that it fits and meets all of my needs. :D</STRONG>

Then you are already at the right place!
You might also want to try the Linux Documentation Project (http://www.linuxdoc.org/)

[ 09 September 2001: Message edited by: jon787 ]

[Craig McPherson]

Technically, any user interface is a shell. Windows Explorer is a shell. BASH and CSH are shells. The X Window system is a shell.

SSH is not a shell, despite the name. It's a protocol/program for accessing a remote shell over an encrypted (and optionally authenticated) connection.