Copying and Pasting

You can copy and paste information from one console window, such as a Shell or ED window, to the same or another window. This is the only Workbench-style mouse operation performed in Shell windows, except for within the ED and MEmacs text editors. Figure 2-4 illustrates copying and pasting from the Shell window to the ED window.

Figure 2-4. Copy and Paste

Use the mouse to highlight the area of text to be copied and pasted. Highlight the text to be copied by moving the pointer to the beginning of the text area, holding down the selection button, and dragging the mouse pointer to the end of the desired text. Release the selection button and press Right Amiga+C. The highlighted area is copied into the Clipboard and the area is unhighlighted. The text you copied can be repeatedly pasted into any application window that supports reading text from the Clipboard, such as the Shell, ED, and MEmacs.

To position the cursor where you want to paste the text, move the mouse pointer to that location and click. Press right Amiga+V to paste the text.

Working with the Shell

The following are tips for speeding your work with the Shell.

• Use command history and command line editing

It sometimes takes several attempts using the same command before getting it right, especially when you are first learning how to use AmigaDOS. Use the arrow keys to recall a previous command and change only the part of the line that causes the problem to eliminate the need to retype the entire line.

• Use aliases

Defining short aliases for commands you use often is another time-saver. It also eliminates the need to remember a long and/or complex series of options. For complete instructions, see the ALIAS command in Chapter 6.

• Omit unnecessary keywords

For clarity, AmigaDOS command names and keywords throughout this book are often shown although they are optional. When you learn a command's format, however, you seldom need to include optional keywords.

• Do not use capital letters

Command names, keywords, and assigned directories are shown in all upper case letters throughout this manual even though AmigaDOS is case-indifferent. This is done to distinguish the keywords from the file names and other information on the example command line. There is no need to use capitalization, except in commands that create a file or directory whose name you want to appear capitalized.

• Use implied CD

This allows you to leave out the CD command, saving three keystrokes. Enter the only directory name, path, colon, or slashes at the prompt to change directories. For more information about changing directories, see the CD command in Chapter 6.