I'm both searching the forum and looking at the 'Linux' (bash?) command list in the Wiki but can't locate an answer to this question.

Use example where I'd like the commands to work: if Firefox locks-up and becomes unresponsive or nearly so, I can sometimes get to a command prompt with <Ctrl><Alt>f1, and from here it's possible to 'kill' firefox. At the command prompt, it seems Bodhi is still running but the file manager (Enlightenment or Moksha, depending on the version) is not.

I'm pretty sure there are commands that could be issued to restart either of these.
? Does anyone know what the commands might be?

P.S.: Is it correct that Moksha is still a file manager, or after Jeff 'worked it over' has it now graduated to be a desktop environment?

The usual way to kill an errant program is to 'kill 9' it's PID number.

However, as you look like a newbie, try using ctrl+alt+bksp - that will terminate your GUI - then type startx in the command line & press return/enter key, & you should be back in a fresh GUI session.

(Edited to correct my typo - thanks for pointing that out hazel.)

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I think that should be ctrl+alt+back. ctrl+alt+del would reboot the whole thing.

But killing Firefox shouldn't affect the desktop at all. What happens if you use alt+F7 to get back to your gui? What does ps show as still running? I'd mosey around a bit before deciding what to do.

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killall firefox : too is an option.

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Thanks to all who replied. I took a bit from each, put it together, and now it's working fine.
This is working to kill firefox, with a slight syntax change from your suggestion -- but retaining the value of 9:
... without having to look for the PID. The name alone seems to be working just fine.

Your second suggestion is right on target! You're correct, the desktop was still running, because that key combination brought it right back, minus firefox, of course -- the desired result.

I added the value -9 because I read elsewhere that when firefox is in 'that condition' it has likely drained system resources near to the breaking point and an 'orderly shutdown' may consume yet more resources. So a swift termination was recommended.

I'm going make a note of the steps:
<Ctrl><Alt><f1> to get the command line
killall -9 firefox
<Ctrl><Alt><f7> to return to the Enlghtenment/Moksha desktop

I am wondering if Hazel is a KDE user, since one of the key sequences she suggested resets Plasma. It's not implemented in Enlightenment, but perhaps it could work on Moksha. That installation of Bodhi 5.0 will be completed as soon as the older netbook gets a screen hinge repair.

Off topic but maybe useful, something of which I was unaware: on the ASUS netbooks (701, 701SD) if the screen becomes difficult to open, immediately stop using it, open it up, remove the metal hinges and lubricate them until they can be moved with finger pressure. To do otherwise places excessive stress on the internal plastic posts supporting the hinges and may cause (nearly) irreparable damage to the case, should the screen continue to be opened and closed, with the hinges in that condition.

By the way, even after an abrupt 'kill' firefox starts up just fine, giving the option of which tabs you want to restore, rather than automatically loading whatever may have 'pushed it to the edge'.

whatever happened to WD40?

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No, I don't use KDE. I don't use any big desktop; a simple window manager (usually fluxbox) is good enough for me. But the ctrl+alt+back trick is very ancient. Basically it kills the X-server itself, but there is a configuration option that stops it working. I think that many desktops inhibit it.

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You are a mind-reader as a can of WD-40 was bought for the purpose. The hinges also have a screw to adjust a tensioning spring and that can be backed-off a little. I've already been through the process on the newer 701-SD and now its screen opens and closes better than new. The hinge-support posts have been rebuilt with epoxy putty, so it's essential that the screen may be moved with as little force as possible.
Thanks for pointing that out, because I am new to the LinuxQuestions forum.

you're just trying to keep that thing alive, so its like two or three steps away from life support. you would be the only one that would know it frailty. super glue I think would/ might do a better job than epoxy putty for the hinges to plastic fastening.

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Thanks Hazel, not sure why I put that, I knew what I meant.

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Actually, I'll be glad if it remains functional until someone gets the sound working for GNU/Linux on the One Mix Yoga. When that time comes, I will miss the 701 and 701SD's forward-facing over-sized loudspeakers behind the wide bezel, but one can't have everything ...

Actually, I'll be glad if it remains functional until someone gets the sound working for GNU/Linux on the One Mix Yoga. When that time comes, I will miss the 701 and 701SD's forward-facing over-sized loudspeakers behind the wide bezel, but one can't have everything ...