Terminals
Terminals are text-based computer interfaces that allow users to input commands and receive output. They provide access to a computer's operating system and software through a command line or shell rather than a graphical user interface. Popular terminals on Linux and macOS
cli
shell
command-line
textbased
Terminals: Text-Based Interfaces for Command-Line Access
Terminals provide access to a computer's operating system and software through a command line or shell rather than a graphical user interface, allowing users to input commands and receive output.
What is Terminals?
Terminals, also known as command-line interfaces, are text-based interfaces to a computer's operating system. Rather than using a graphical user interface (GUI) with elements like windows, icons and menus, terminals accept text-based commands from the user and display the operating system's text-based output.
Terminals provide a powerful way to interact directly with the underlying Unix-based operating system (such as Linux and macOS), run scripts, monitor system resources, access software and services, and manage files or servers. While they lack the user-friendly graphical elements of modern GUI apps, terminals enable greater control, efficiency and access to core system functions.
Popular terminal emulator apps for Linux and macOS operating systems include:
- GNOME Terminal - The default terminal for GNOME desktop environment with support for tabs, themes, shortcuts.
- Konsole - Terminal for KDE desktops with transparency effects, sessions, profiles.
- Terminal - The default macOS terminal with native Apple OS integration and basic tab/window options.
- iTerm2 - Advanced custom Mac terminal supporting tabs, panes, profiles and many third party integrations.
- Tilix - A tiling terminal for Linux offering split layouts, quake mode, web previews.
These more fully-featured terminal apps provide convenient shortcuts, tab/pane management, color schemes, transparency effects and extensibility options compared to the basic text-based shells or command prompts that ship with most Unix-based operating systems.
Terminals Features
Features
- Text-based interface
- Ability to input commands
- Access to operating system and software
- Command line or shell access
- Customizable interface and settings
Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
Pros
Lightweight and fast
Powerful command line control
Scripting and automation capabilities
Backwards compatibility
Available on Linux, macOS, and Unix systems
Cons
Steep learning curve
Less user-friendly than GUI
Requires command memorization
Not as visually appealing
Limited use for non-technical users
The Best Terminals Alternatives
Top System & Hardware and Terminal Emulation and other similar apps like Terminals
Here are some alternatives to Terminals:
Suggest an alternative ❐
Terminator
Terminator is an open source terminal emulator application for Linux/UNIX operating systems. It provides a way to access the UNIX shell and run command-line programs and shell scripts. Some key features of Terminator include:Ability to split the window horizontally or vertically into multiple terminal panels. You can customize the arrangement...
Alacritty
Alacritty is an open-source, cross-platform terminal emulator written in Rust. It uses OpenGL for hardware-accelerated rendering, allowing it to achieve high performance and low latency. Some key features of Alacritty include:Fast terminal rendering thanks to the use of GPU accelerationExcellent performance for workflows involving a large amount of textCompatible with...
MRemoteNG
mRemoteNG is an open-source, tabbed, multi-protocol, remote connections manager for Windows. It allows you to view all your remote connections in one place with an easy to use interface.Some key features of mRemoteNG include:Supports many protocols like RDP, VNC, SSH, Telnet, rlogin, and RAW SocketOrganize connections into folders/groups using a...
PuTTY
PuTTY is a widely used terminal emulator and SSH client that provides a user-friendly interface for connecting to remote servers and devices. It was initially developed for Microsoft Windows but has been adapted for other platforms as well. PuTTY is known for its simplicity, reliability, and support for various network...
AnyDesk
AnyDesk is a proprietary remote desktop software developed by the German software company AnyDesk Software GmbH. It enables users to access one computer from another computer or mobile device remotely. AnyDesk is lightweight, easy to use and works across multiple operating systems.Some key features of AnyDesk include:Remote control of computers...
SecureCRT
SecureCRT is a terminal emulator designed for secure remote access and administration of servers, routers, and other network devices. It was originally created by VanDyke Software and is now owned by Progress. Some key features of SecureCRT include:Support for SSH1, SSH2, Telnet, rlogin, serial connections, and other protocolsAdvanced SSH features...
Remote Desktop Manager
Remote Desktop Manager is a centralized platform that allows IT professionals to organize, manage and launch remote connections from a single interface.It supports a wide range of protocols like Windows RDP, VNC, SSH, FTP, telnet and more. You can store and encrypt all your passwords and session information in an...
Royal TSX
Royal TSX is a powerful Windows application designed specifically for managing remote connections and automating routine tasks. With an intuitive tabbed interface and support for a wide range of protocols like RDP, VNC, SSH, Telnet, and more, Royal TSX aims to be the all-in-one solution for IT administrators, developers, and...
JuiceSSH
JuiceSSH is a popular SSH and terminal client app for Android. It enables you to securely connect to Linux or Unix servers, routers, switches, or other devices directly from your Android phone or tablet.Some key features of JuiceSSH include:Clean and intuitive interface with tabbed terminalsSupports multiple simultaneous SSH connectionsKeyboard shortcuts...
QTerminal
QTerminal is a popular open-source terminal emulator for Linux desktop environments. It aims to provide a lightweight and customizable terminal experience with some key features:Multiple tab support for managing multiple terminal sessionsExtensive customization options including fonts, colors, keyboard shortcuts, layouts, etc.Integration with system desktop notifications for long running tasksSupport for...
Remote Utilities
Remote Utilities is remote desktop software used to remotely access, control, manage, and support PCs and servers. It allows IT support professionals, system administrators, and business users to securely access and control remote computer systems as if they were in front of them.Key features of Remote Utilities include:Remote desktop control...
Chrome Secure Shell
Chrome Secure Shell is an extension for the Google Chrome browser that provides secure shell (SSH) and secure file transfer protocol (SFTP) capabilities directly within Chrome. It allows users to securely access remote servers, Linux/UNIX terminals, or other systems directly from the Chrome browser without having to install standalone SSH...
