Search code examples
linuxbashputtygnu-screen

Linux Screen for session management in PuTTY

I am connecting to a Linux system via PuTTY. I am using GNU screen.

Once I input a command on the screen, I am unable to create a new one or do anything else until this command gets completed. I have a feeling I am going about this all wrong.

When it says Ctrl + A, C, what does this mean? How do I get those keys listed on How To Use Linux Screen?

I am currently having to create multiple sessions of PuTTY.

Solution

  • Once you have executed the command screen you're now in a screen session. You can create new windows (think of them like tabs) and switch between them. To create a window, you use the command Ctrl-a c. This means:

    • Hold down Ctrl and a simultaneously (this tells screen you'd like to issue it the following command...)
    • Release the keys
    • Press c (create new window button)

    This should create a new window in the screen session (you now have two).

    To switch between windows you, again, use the Ctrl-a command followed by the number of the window you'd like to switch to. E.g., Ctrl-a 0 will take you home.

    Ctrl-a " will list the windows you have active.

    Ctrl-a k closes the current active window.

    Ctrl-a d "Detaches" the screen session, you are moved back to the terminal where you invoked screen. Your screen session is still running in a background process, to return to it use Ctrl-a x.