Conventions used in this document from the Introduction to Linux by OnWorks

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An interesting alternative for those who don't dare to take the step of an actual Linux installation on their machine are the Linux distributions that you can run from a CD, such as the Knoppix distribution.

9. Conventions used in this document

The following typographic and usage conventions occur in this text:

Table 1. Typographic and usage conventions

Text type	Meaning
"Quoted text"	Quotes from people, quoted computer output.
terminal view	Literal computer input and output captured from the terminal, usually rendered with a light grey background.

command	Name of a command that can be entered on the command line.
VARIABLE	Name of a variable or pointer to content of a variable, as in $VARNAME.
option	Option to a command, as in "the -a option to the ls command".
argument	Argument to a command, as in "read man ls ".
prompt	User prompt, usually followed by a command that you type in a terminal window, like in hilda@home> ls -l
command options arguments	Command synopsis or general usage, on a separated line.
filename	Name of a file or directory, for example "Change to the /usr/bin directory."
Key	Keys to hit on the keyboard, such as "type Q to quit".
Button	Graphical button to click, like the OK button.
Menu->Choice	Choice to select from a graphical menu, for instance: "SelectHelp->About Mozilla in your browser."

Terminology	Important term or concept: "The Linux kernel is the heart of the system."
	The backslash in a terminal view or command synopsis indicates an unfinished line. In other words, if you see a long command that is cut into multiple lines, \ means "Don't press Enter yet!"
\
See Chapter 1	link to related subject within this guide.
The author	Clickable link to an external web resource.