How to Install and Use GNOME Console as a GNOME Terminal Replacement

Tired of a cluttered terminal? Yearning for a cleaner, more modern command-line experience on your Linux desktop? If you’re a fan of the GNOME environment, the sleek and streamlined GNOME Console might be the perfect upgrade. Forget the complexity of GNOME Terminal; Console offers a minimalist design with enhanced visual cues and a focus on simplicity. This guide will walk you through the process of installing, setting up, and embracing GNOME Console as your default terminal, so you can get back to coding, troubleshooting, or simply enjoying a cleaner interface.

Why Choose GNOME Console?

GNOME Console is more than just a terminal; it’s a design philosophy. Built with modern GNOME design principles in mind, it emphasizes a clean, uncluttered interface that gets you in and out of the command line with minimal fuss. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Simplified Interface: Fewer options, focused on the essentials.
• Visual Cues: Red window color for root privileges and purple for SSH sessions, providing clear visual warnings.
• Desktop Notifications: Stay informed about long-running commands without constantly checking the terminal.
• Theme Support: Light, dark, and system-based modes, with transparency enabled by default.
• Security Enhancements: Warnings when pasting commands with sudo, mitigating accidental privileged actions.

Installing and Configuring GNOME Console

Ready to make the switch? Follow these steps to install and set up GNOME Console on your system.

Step 1: Install GNOME Console

Open your existing terminal (likely GNOME Terminal) and use your distribution’s package manager to install GNOME Console.

• Ubuntu/Debian: sudo apt update sudo apt install gnome-console
• Fedora: sudo dnf install gnome-console

Step 2: Set GNOME Console as the Default Terminal

Now, let’s tell your system that you want GNOME Console to be the terminal that opens when you press Ctrl+Alt+T (or other keyboard shortcuts).

• Ubuntu/Debian:
  1. Register Console as an alternative: sudo update-alternatives --install /usr/bin/x-terminal-emulator x-terminal-emulator /usr/bin/kgx 1
  2. Select Console as the default: sudo update-alternatives --config x-terminal-emulator When prompted, enter the number corresponding to /usr/bin/kgx.
• Fedora: gsettings set org.gnome.desktop.default-applications.terminal exec kgx

Step 3: Update File Manager Context Menu (Right-Click)

Most file managers, like Nautilus, have an “Open in Terminal” option when you right-click a folder. We want this to launch Console.

• For most modern GNOME environments, the context menu should update automatically. However, if you encounter issues, try removing the gnome-terminal-nautilus package (if it’s installed): sudo dnf remove gnome-terminal-nautilus After removing it, the right-click action should use Console.

GNOME Console vs. GNOME Terminal: Key Differences

Here’s a quick comparison to highlight the key differences:

Important Considerations

Before making the switch, consider these points:

• Customization: Console offers fewer customization options. If you rely heavily on profiles, custom fonts, or advanced appearance settings, you might prefer GNOME Terminal.
• Accessibility: Check that Console meets your accessibility needs.
• Alternatives: If you find Console doesn’t suit your workflow, explore other terminal emulators like Tilix or Terminator.

Conclusion:

Switching to GNOME Console is an excellent way to streamline your command-line experience. Its clean design, visual cues, and focus on essential functionality make it a refreshing alternative to the feature-packed GNOME Terminal. Give Console a try and see if its simplified approach helps you be more productive and enjoy your Linux experience.