Editors

When you want to create a file or change an existing file you have many options when it comes to Linux. Probably the simplest is to copy the file to your home machine and edit it there. You can transfer files with ftp software on both Windows and Mac. Or if your local machine is Unix based (Mac or PC running Linux) you can use the secure copy command (scp). Transferring files can be tedious especially for small changes or large files so I would suggest that you learn to edit files where they sit.


NANO:
Nano is a modification to the pico editor. This editor is pretty user friendly especially if you have ever used the pine mail server to check your email.

usage: nano file1
nano command manual


EMACS:
Emacs is the editor for those of you who really want something reminiscant of the classic windows editor (user friendly). This program uses xwindows tunneling so you must have that enabled in your ssh client and running on your machine before you open an ssh connection.

usage: emacs file1


VI:
vi is the least user friendly of these editors, however it is an old Unix standard. This is the perfect editor for all you hardcore computer science guys who like a stark powerful editor.

usage: vi file1
vim cheat sheet

There are of course many other editors that you can use. Here is a link to other options.