What are dotfiles? How can I customize my dotfiles?
The set of files used to describe session initialization procedures and store user customizations are commonly referred to as dotfiles. These files are called dotfiles due to the fact that their names begin with a period (.). These files can be used to customize screen appearance, shell behavior, program specifications and other aspects of your Linux session. Most dotfiles are text files, although some exist in other formats. Dotfiles generally contain one command per line and are stored in your Public directory (linked-to from the home directory).
You may not have even noticed the dotfiles in your account because files that begin with a dot are not listed when the ls command is issued. To view your dotfiles, use the command ls -a. You may have many more dotfiles in your account than this example shows depending on what programs you have used and what, if any, customizations you have made to them. Many programs create dotfiles to store information and preferences, but you are given some dotfiles that are necessary for you to be able to login when you get your account.
example% cd ~ example% ls -a ./ .gconfd .mailcap .pinerc ../ .gnome .metacity .software .cshrc .gnome-desktop .mozilla .ssh .gconf .login .nautilus .xsession
To customize your dotfiles you can use any text editor, such as nedit, vi, or emacs. To make changes to the following files:
.login - run once when logging into Linux machine .cshrc - run each time a new shell is opened .xsession - run once when logged into console of machine
make sure that when you edit the above dotfiles, your code is correct csh shell syntax, or you may get an error and may not be able to log into Linux machines. If you think you have irrevocably damaged your dotfiles, you can reset them back to the CAEN default with the /usr/caen/bin/redot command. See Example (2) of the following FAQ for more information:
