5 Best Free and Paid Online Linux Console or Terminals – Including Ubuntu and Unix Emulator Options

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Lately, people seem to be getting a little more into the “techie life”. Whether it is to improve your geeky skills and join the armies of game and software makers or just to customize your system beyond setting a new desktop background, it is a great idea to learn some open source coding and open source software in general. Naturally, Ubuntu and Unix platforms offer the best environment.

If you’re just beginning in the world of coding and black terminals, you might find that vast darkness with that blinking cursor terrifying. But do not fret, it all comes naturally with patience, guidance and time to learn and perfect your skills.

And what best way to hone your skills than by practicing? Get on your Linux virtual terminal and acquire root access! Oh, but maybe you don’t have immediate access to a Linux environment, or maybe you’re a Windows or Mac user; so what about getting straight into the action with an Online Linux Terminal for practice?

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Easy to Find Training Consoles?

There’s no need for extensive packaged downloads or download bitcoins, no need to set up a bunch of libraries—it’s all there for you to log on your PC (or even your Smartphone!), so crack your fingers and get started.

Thankfully there are many websites that offer free online Linux terminals for practice, some of which even allow you to root access your computer.

And the best news ever for beginners that are eager to join the team, is that some of these virtual terminals certainly go the extra mile and provide you with guides or lessons on basic commands, coding, scripting, MySQL and more.

However, you can’t just practice with anything anyone. You need to work with the best to become the best. So, we’ve put up a list of the 5 best free and paid online Linux terminals which we will briefly describe with their respective pros and cons below.

5 best free and paid online Linux terminals for root access and practice 

 ONE – Webminal (with online Linux terminal for root access)

 1 webminal

This is a popular online Linux virtual terminal for practice around the Internet and you can find it mentioned and described in a number of other places. There are a number of reasons why it’s so talked about.

 The guys from Webminal have undoubtedly worked towards building a complete learning Linux experience right in your browser. Moreover, this is a strong platform with a customizable URL that offers a large variety of options for you to learn or delve deeper with your abilities.

But that’s not all! Webminal lets you interact with the Linux bash terminal window using Linux Ubuntu, CentOS and Fedora distributions. And here you can see the most important highlights of Webminal.

Free Key Features:

  • Capability to open multiple windows at the same time
  • Customizable colors and shapes
  • Broad list of available commands in the emulator virtual terminal
  • Free account with some restrictions where you can learn basic commands, scripting, awk, sed and MySQL through step-by-step lessons
  • Root file navigation
  • Create 1000 files
  • Execute 10 processes simultaneously
  • 1 MB space to create scripts

Yes, we know 1 MB space sounds crazy.But that is more than enough to learn the commands and create scripts. However, if you want to create something more advanced, you would require the paid version.

Apart from the features you can access with a free account, there are some top-notch premium options you can enjoy if your intention is more than practice and you’re looking for online Linux terminal window root access.There are more options and you should definitely check out their website that supports additional cloud storage and additional premium-learning material. Here are some of the most important features:

 Paid Key Features:

  • A restricted programming platform which allows you to save files for later use
  • A dedicated VM with root access with tutorials to learn specific administration options

 And, of course:

 Pros: Powerful with many options available and easy to use.

Cons: When typing in the virtual terminal, the characters might be slow to show up, leaving you “typing blindly”.

Does it sound amazing, yet? Well, don’t take our word for it and go check it out!

 

TWO – JS/UIX

 2 js uix

“JS/UIX” as its name implies, is an old school (but cool) Javascript based online Linux terminal window for practice which works well and efficiently in most web browsers. The creator focused on providing the necessary flexibility and power with a classical feeling and simplicity that invites you to get down to business.

A fun fact within this emulated UNIX shell is that you can play a game called “Invaders” when you feel that your hands tired of typing. But, let’s go to the important things…

Free Key Features:

  • Javascript and browser support
  • Fast and straightforward
  • Supports around 55 commands
  • Overlapping type styles
  • Shell alike with command parsing variables, positional parameters
  • Virtual file system

Unlike Webminar, JS/UIX doesn’t offer much guidance for beginners or as many capabilities. However, it offers an easy-to-use and access interface, and it is still a pretty solid emulator to try shell commands when you have no access to a Linux or Unix platform.

Also, it is super light, responsive and should work in your browser like a charm with no delays, unless you still have a 90’s version of IE (which is not true, right?) or have your javascript disabled.

Pros: Great performance speed and enough options to tamper with.

Cons: No color customization. Might feel outdated for users who like more modern-looking things.

Fully recommended for that extra practice you need with the different commands. Don’t wait—check it out for yourself!

 

THREE – VU

 3

Now, this is an online Linux terminal for practice and reinforcement of your knowledge with Linux command lines. In this emulator, there are no distractions, just the lovely black screen supporting the basic and necessary Linux command lines, such as cp, cd, and mkdir.

You might notice some similarities (in terms of simplicity) with JS/UIX. Well, this terminal uses the same libraries but it’s much more simple. There are no special color schemes or big functions. Go down to basic, focus and practice away.

The best part is that it’s not connected to any network. It’s a totally virtual machine so you can fiddle with the commands and practice without being afraid of breaking anything.

Free Key Features

  • Basic command lines
  • Fast performance
  • Simple to use
  • Create and copy files

In this list, you might think this is the simplest online Linux terminal for practice, and you would be right in thinking so. This is because it is solely made for the purpose of learning and improving. It has just what is needed for beginner users to start roaming around the dark screen and practicing their Linux ABCs (basic command lines and such).

What’s more, if you get bored, you can just play a little Invaders or Snake and get excited about the things you may be able to do in the future if you keep it up.

Pros: Simplicity and performance.

Cons: Some quick learners might find the command list a bit limited.

Whenever you wish, go and warm those skills over here!

 

FOUR – Coding Ground

 4 coding ground

Now, this is a jewel for your bookmarks, and it’s free! Coding ground offers a good number of online IDEs and online Linux terminals for practice with different Linux distributions to choose from. Like Webminal, its stylish and customizable interface is a plus that welcomes all beginners with open arms.

Hey, wait! It’s not only about good looks, there’s also brains and power in this. You can open up multiple windows at once and control them with key functions, and you can choose your favorite from all the different distributions they have to offer.

Like its name states, you’re here to code, as well as compile, execute, and share your creations in this cloud environment. And, of course, don’t forget to practice to your heart’s content!

Free Key Features:

  • Multiple distributions to test: Ruby, CentOS, MySQL, IPython, and others
  • Good performance in your browser. No lag
  • Capability to open and control multiple windows at the same time
  • Basic command lines available for practice
  • Customizable looks and transparency levels

 Practice, practice, and practice until you become the master! Then you can develop your coding skills supported by the cloud where you can save your progress.

And we’re not done yet! The website also offers a wide range of tutorials and videos you can exploit to improve your knowledge, and… you can even go mobile because there’s an app!

With the Tutorialspoint app you can have access to all the information from the tutorials available on this website. Learn the theory whenever you have the chance and come back to put those new skills to practice with this amazing online Linux terminal for practice.

Pros: Friendly interface. Good availability of commands.

Cons: There’s not really a special con for this one unless it doesn’t fit your specific needs.

Start the command lining action here! And check out the app here!

 

FIVE – Codeanywhere (with online Linux terminal for root access)

 5 code anywhere

Now, if you’re ready to go pro, this is a full IDE platform right in your browser. There are many features, a service that offers you a whole suite of components for your development starting steps among which it includes an online Linux terminal for root access and many cloud service options to manage your files and access them at all times.

This IDE platform can be accessed through the website for free after you successfully sign up and follow the instructions. This can take you up to 2 minutes. There you can select the most convenient for your project from the different cloud storages they offer you to set up your server.

The great thing about Codeanywhere is that you can gain access to a pre-made and customized development environment and start coding right away.

All of this without a single installation! You can SSH directly from the browser terminal to another server to compile your code, this allows you to take the weight off your computer and do all the developing in the cloud.

Let’s not waste more time and check out what’s free:

Key Free Features:

  • Support for over 72 languages (Javascript, PHP, Ruby, etc)
  • A built-in terminal prompt in the cloud
  • Capability to root from your browser to another server
  • Basic and advanced Linux command lines support
  • Customizable color schemes and layouts for your workspace
  • Capability to share your code with your friends or workgroup
  • Developing in the cloud instead of your computer through your browser.

This obviously seems like a huge deal with your online Linux terminal for root access, and there are more features to access with the paid service. Depending on the pricing, there are some corresponding benefits you can add to your Project. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Paid Key Features:

  • Premium support and attention
  • Additional FTP servers
  • Extra security
  • Revision system which allows you to check previous revisions of your project and revert back if necessary
  • Unlimited number of shares so you can continue sharing your project

Pros: Powerful and fast performance.

Cons: Sometimes the cloud or container fails to be accessed when starting it. Settings are not saved on exit (shortcut keys, sidebar, etc).

You be the judge and check it out here!

 

Summary:

So, that’s it for now! This is our selection of the 5 best free and paid online Linux terminals. Work hard and work smart towards enhancing your abilities and knowledge in this fiery passion-filled world of command lines and programming languages.

In this era, it is easier than ever to learn and put into practice whatever you want, so take this chance to broaden your horizons, be curious, get in there and start working on your projects with these great online Linux terminals for practice.

The best is out there, you only need to know where to look in. Stay in touch, we’re rooting for you!

Other Helpful Links:

shell account is a user account on a remote server, traditionally running under the Unix operating system, which gives access to a shell via a command-line interface protocol such as telnet or SSH.

Shell providers are often found to offer shell accounts at low-cost or free. These shell accounts generally provide users with access to various software and services including compilersIRC clientsbackground processesFTPtext editors (such as nano) and email clients(such as pine).[5][6] Some shell providers may also allow tunneling of traffic to bypass corporate firewalls.

 

SITECH – Sakunthala InfoTECH provides free shell accounts and web hosting. We do not have a service level agreement or guaranteed uptime. What we do offer is a shell that is not restricted (as much as possible) and offers the tools you want there!

…or something like this:

Our mission is to provide remotely accessible computing facilities for

the advancement of public education, cultural enrichment, scientific
research and recreation. Members can interact electronically with each
other regardless of their location using passive or interactive forums.
Further purposes include the recreational exchange of information
concerning the Liberal and Fine Arts.

Members have UNIX shell access to games, email, usenet, chat, bboard,
webspace, gopherspace, programming utilities, archivers, browsers, and
more. The Free Linux Console community is made up of caring, highly skilled people who operate behind the scenes to maintain a non-commercial INTERNET.

Understanding Free Command in Linux/Unix

free is a command which can give us valuable information on available RAM in Linux machine. But many new Linux users and admins misinterpret its output. In this post we will walk through its output format and show you actual free RAM.

Free command examples

Example 1: Display RAM details in Linux machine

free

Output:

total used free shared buffers cached
Mem: 8027952 4377300 3650652 0 103648 1630364
-/+ buffers/cache: 2643288 5384664
Swap: 15624188 608948 15015240

Let us see what this table for you.

  • Line 1: Indicates Memory details like total available RAM, used RAM, Shared RAM, RAM used for buffers, RAM used of caching content.
  • Line 2: Indicates total buffers/Cache used and free.
  • Line 3: Indicates total swap memory available, used swap and free swap memory size available.

Let us dig more in to these lines to better understand it as Linux user prospective.

Line 1:Mem: 8027952 4377300 3650652 0 103648 1630364

  • 8027952 : Indicates memory/physical RAM available for your machine. These numbers are in KB’s
  • 4377300 : Indicates memory/RAM used by system. This include even buffers and cached data size as well.
  • 3650652 : Indicates Total RAM free and available for new process to run.
  • 0 :  Indicates shared memory. This column is obsolete and may be removed in future releases of free.
  • 103648 : Indicates total RAM buffered by different applications in Linux
  • 1630364 : Indicates total RAM used for Caching of data for future purpose.

Puzzled with buffers and cache?

What is the difference between buffers and Cache?

A buffer is a temporary location to store data for a particular application and this data is not used by any other application. This is similar to bandwidth concept. When you try to send burst of data through network, if your network card is capable of sending less data, it will keep these huge amounts of data in buffer so that it can send data constantly in lesser speeds. In other hand Cache is a memory location to store frequently used data for faster access. Other difference between a buffer and a cache is that cache can be used multiple times where as buffer is used single time. And both are temporary store for your data processing.

Line 2: -/+ buffers/cache: 2643288 5384664

2643288 : This is actual size of used RAM which we get from RAM used -(buffers + cache)
A bit of mathematical calculation
Used RAM = +4377300
Used Buffers = -103648
Used Cache = -1630364
Actual Total used RAM is 4377300 -(103648+1630364)= 2643288

Then why my Linux machine is showing 4377300 as used RAM. This is because Linux counts cached RAM, Buffered RAM to this used RAM. But in future if any application want to use these buffers/cache, Linux will free it for you. To know more about this, visit this site.

5384664 : Indicates actual tothttps://web.archive.org/web/20160515183044/http://www.linuxatemyram.com/al RAM available, we get to this number by subtracting actual RAM used from total RAM available in the system.

Total RAM = +8027952
actual used RAM = -2643288
Total actual available RAM = 5384664

So from today on words don’t complain that Linux ate your RAM, its our understanding of free command output which is the culprit and the teacher who thought us Linux. If any one asks what is the free RAM available, we have to give this number(5384664) instead of first line number(4377300) for free RAM available in your machine.

Line 3: Swap: 15624188 608948 15015240

This line indicates swap details like total SWAP size, used as well as free SWAP.

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