Ubuntu

Where is the "run" box to run sudo or whatever it is?

Asked by Dennis

Hello,

I love Ubuntu so far, but where is the run box? I was trying to install Lokkit for a firewall and I can't figure out where the part is when they write to "run" something? I am used to windows of course where the run bos is above the start button. Before you complain what a newbi I am? let me just say I am a newbi to Linux and I have tried it many times and always returned to windows. I turned all my equipment on this time before I installed and ubuntu found everything. This is the first time in 10 years that everything worked in Linux with just an installation. Usually, the internet didn't work or the printers or something that made me loose my patience with it.

Now if I could get this then I will be extremely happy. But overall, Ubuntu IS THE BEST! So easy now for newbi's (just turn on all your equipment first! It found all my printers and my router/Internet connection, usb BU drive- everything!) and you'll be there. I'll tell the other nub's?

Thanks for the help guys!

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MattJ
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arochester (arochester) said : 		#1

You should be able to get the run box by pressing Alt+F2. If you are running Katapult press Alt+Space and then type the word. Or input the name of the program into the terminal...

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Dennis (drdenn) said : 		#2

Ok! thank you for answering me, "Your the man!" I pressed ALT & F2 and it shows up now. But how do i make a shortcut to it on the desktop? so I can use it without the ALT & F2 buttons? Like is it under "Applications" at the top or do I have to add it with the add/remove software? Is it called "run" like windows?

Thanks for the answer!
Dennis

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0L1V3R (oli888) said : 		#3

I don't know what the command for that one is I'm afraid. However, although it's not quite as good, you can try the application grun (which is pretty much the same thing). To install it, run:

sudo aptitude install grun

Then, to add it to the menu, go to System > Preferences > Main Menu. The command to execute is simply grun.

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Dennis (drdenn) said : 		#4

Oliver Wrote:
"Then, to add it to the menu, go to System > Preferences > Main Menu. The command to execute is simply grun."

Hi guys!
Just to say it again? I am a Linux newbe! I have never got Linux to work this well for me ever, so I love Ubuntu. I can at least partially use it.

So I ran the "sudo" line by hitting the alt F2 and typed it in the command box thing. A window came up that said "Terminal" I logged in with my password. It ran and did its thing and I guess it worked? It just closed...

Oliver Wrote:
"Then, to add it to the menu, go to System > Preferences > Main Menu. The command to execute is simply grun."

It was not in the menu's anywhere? There was no place to add it?

Oliver wrote:
"The command to execute is simply grun."

Where do you write grun at? How do I "command" it to "execute"
Is "Terminal" in Linux like "command" in windows? To "run" things do I open "Terminal" and type them? I can just do the Alt F2 keyboard command again but, I would try this first. I want to learn since Ubuntu seems easier to use now.

I can't just "right-click" on the desktop and "create a shortcut to 'grun'?"

Well I looked everywhere and "grun" is not anywhere in the menus. So maybe the "sudo" command didn't work? The window did just close afterwards? I never got a "command completed" or anything that said it worked. Should I try the sudo thing again?

Thanks for the future answer guys!

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Best MattJ (mwild1) said : 		#5

> So I ran the "sudo" line by hitting the alt F2 and typed it in the command box thing. A window came up that said "Terminal" I
> logged in with my password. It ran and did its thing and I guess it worked? It just closed...

It sounds like you wanted to run this command in Terminal. See Application->Accessories->Terminal

For more information about using Terminal see these links:

 https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UsingTheTerminal
 http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/terminal
 http://linuxcommand.org/

Basically every line you enter in Terminal is run, and the result (what the program says) is shown to you. There are preinstalled programs for moving, copying, deleting files, and running commands with system privileges (aka "root") using sudo, and much more.

As for setting up grun...

Right-click on the menu bar, click "Edit menus". Click "Applications" on the left, and then click "New Item" on the right.

Name: Run application
Command: grun
Comment: Run and application or command

It should now appear in the Applications menu. You can drag it in the menu editor to change its position. If you open the menu up, you can also drag it to your panel (what in Windows would be the taskbar).

If you really want the GNOME run dialog, there apparently is a way: http://darkness.codefu.org/wordpress/post/152
If you do decide to try that, and get stuck, let us know :)

Hope this helps, enjoy your Ubuntu'ing :)

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Dennis (drdenn) said : 		#6

Thank you so much!

I got it now. I am just learning this OS. So info Ubuntu users take for granted "that everyone knows does not apply to me". I don't know the basics yet. I need a book or manual for Ubuntu. What do people do to start learning Ubuntu? I am starting to see all the great features in Ubuntu now, I have always been a "Windows man" but now I can finally go to something better. I must say that after trying Linux at least 5 times in the last 15 years. The frustration level is finally over. The prior distros never had the usability for a regular "Windows" user. At least not enough to make the change from Windows completely. In fact, this is the first one that "just worked" right from the start. This one that is so much better than anything before it. The contributors of this all should "Pat each other on the back for a job well done!" Truly... Ubuntu makes it easy to break the "Windows" and get out!

Thanks again!
Dennis

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OriginalOG (386squirel) said : 		#7

    Congratulations for "breaking" free Dennis. If you ever need any help were here listening. When I first started using Linux, about 13yrs old, I continued to get hung up over and over; I couldn't find the "control panel" or just double-click on a program to install it and configure it, or call someone up for technical support. This link may help you understand Linux a little better. >>> http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm <<< And in my own opinion Linux has plenty of usability, and far more than Windows just not all of its usability is GUI (point and click). Anyways hope you stick with it if you need anything just hala.