Exploring the Versatility of 'screenfetch' Command (with examples)
Screenfetch is a nifty command-line tool aimed at Linux and Unix-like systems. Its primary purpose is to neatly display an assortment of system information, giving users a quick glance at pertinent details about their system hardware and software. This command is particularly useful for users who want to share system specs without resorting to complex graphical tools. Originally developed by KittyKatt, screenfetch has become a staple in the terminal tools arsenal for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Use case 1: Start screenfetch
Code:
screenfetch
Motivation:
Running the basic screenfetch command is the easiest way to obtain a comprehensive overview of your system’s specifications, from the kernel version to the desktop environment, in one concise readout. This command is particularly beneficial for users who frequently work with multiple systems and need to quickly identify the one in use, or for those troubleshooting or documenting system details.
Explanation:
The command screenfetch when run without any arguments simply gathers and displays the system’s information along with an ASCII art representation of the operating system’s logo, based on auto-detection. This provides an appealing and well-organized summary of system specs.
Example output:
When you execute screenfetch, the output will usually include details such as OS version, kernel version, uptime, package count, shell, resolution, desktop environment, and more. A typical output might look something like this:
-`
.o+`
`ooo/ OS: Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS x86_64
`+oooo: Kernel: 5.8.0-59-generic
`+oooooo: Uptime: 1 day, 2 hours
-+oooooo+: Packages: 1823 (dpkg)
`/:-:++oooo+: Shell: bash 5.0.17
`/++++/+++++++: Resolution: 1920x1080
`/++++++++++++++: DE: GNOME
`/+++ooooooooooooo/` WM: Mutter
./ooosssso++osssssso+` WM Theme: Adwaita
.oossssso-````/ossssss+` GTK Theme: Adwaita-dark [GTK2/3]
-osssssso. :ssssssso. Icon Theme: Yaru
:osssssss/ osssso+++. CPU: Intel i7-9700K (8) @ 4.900GHz
/ossssssss/ +ssssooo/- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
`/ossssso+/:- -:/+osssso+- Memory: 4328MiB / 32117MiB
`+sso+:-` `.-/+oso:
`++:. `-/+/
.` `/
Use case 2: Take a screenshot
Code:
screenfetch -s
Motivation:
Taking a screenshot with the inclusion of system specifications can be particularly valuable for creating visual guides, tutorials, or documentation. Incorporating both visuals of your graphical environment and accompanying system information in one step simplifies the process and elevates the value of screenshots.
Explanation:
The -s option instructs screenfetch to capture a screenshot using the scrot utility, if it is installed. scrot is a simple, command-line tool that allows for quick and easy screenshots. When combined with screenfetch, users can capture both their desktop environment and the system stats displayed by the command.
Example output:
Upon execution, screenfetch -s will generate a screenshot file saved in the user’s home directory or the directory where the command was executed, commonly named with a timestamp like 20210712-153520_screenshot.png. This file includes an image of the desktop with screenfetch’s output overlaid.
Use case 3: Specify distribution logo
Code:
screenfetch -A 'distribution_name'
Motivation:
Manually specifying a distribution logo is useful when the command’s automatic detection does not correctly identify your operating system, or if you simply wish to replace the logo with a different one. This might be for aesthetic purposes or clarity when showing system stats in presentations or community posts.
Explanation:
The -A option followed by a 'distribution_name' allows users to override the default distribution logo detected by the tool. This parameter is followed by the desired Linux distribution name, for instance, 'Ubuntu', 'Arch', or 'Fedora'.
Example output:
Consider the output where the system might normally display a Debian logo but the user specifies:
screenfetch -A 'Arch Linux'
The system’s details will be adorned with the ASCII art for Arch Linux, providing a personal touch or correcting detection inaccuracies.
Use case 4: Specify distribution logo and text
Code:
screenfetch -D 'distribution_name'
Motivation:
This enhanced customization not only changes the logo but also the text displayed, granting full control over aesthetic presentation. Users seeking to unify displays across different machines or during demonstrations might find this feature very beneficial.
Explanation:
The command includes a -D flag, which, much like -A, accepts a 'distribution_name' to set both the logo and the associated informational text to match the specified operating system. This ensures a coherent visual and textual representation where necessary.
Example output:
Specifying both logo and text can help on certain distributions or settings where the automatic detection may have failed:
screenfetch -D 'Fedora'
This will replace the default logo and text with that of Fedora, irrespective of the actual distribution used.
Use case 5: Strip all color
Code:
screenfetch -N
Motivation:
In specific scenarios, such as when using terminal environments that do not support colored output, or when preparing output for print that requires monochrome text, disabling color is necessary. This ensures that the command’s output remains legible regardless of the medium or viewing environment.
Explanation:
The -N switch instructs screenfetch to display its output using only plain text without any decorative colorization. This is suitable for situations where terminal compatibility is limited, or for personal preference for simplicity.
Example output:
With no colors, screenfetch -N might display results akin to:
OS: Ubuntu 20.04.2 LTS x86_64
Kernel: 5.8.0-59-generic
Uptime: 1 day, 2 hours
Packages: 1823 (dpkg)
Shell: bash 5.0.17
Resolution: 1920x1080
DE: GNOME
WM: Mutter
WM Theme: Adwaita
GTK Theme: Adwaita-dark [GTK2/3]
Icon Theme: Yaru
CPU: Intel i7-9700K (8) @ 4.900GHz
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
Memory: 4328MiB / 32117MiB
Conclusion:
The screenfetch command is a versatile and user-friendly tool that provides valuable system insight through a simple terminal command. Its range of options caters to various needs, from troubleshooting and documentation to custom branding or aesthetic preferences, making it a valuable addition to any terminal user’s toolkit. Whether customizing outputs or enhancing workflow with screenshots, screenfetch simplifies an otherwise daunting task into an engaging experience with its charm and functionality.
