Who said the Linux terminal is boring? Not when you have a list of fun Linux commands to run and have a chuckle. Whether you’re just looking to kill some time or explore new Linux programs, these 10 commands will take you on an adventure into the world of Linux entertainment.

All the commands we mention are available for most Linux distributions. You can follow the installation commands to get them working in your specific distro. For demonstration purposes, we’ll be using the Ubuntu 22.04 LTS version.

The sl command making a train run on your Linux terminal

1. sl: Full Steam Ahead

Speaking of adventures, did you know that you could run a locomotive train on your Linux terminal? That’s what the sl command does. It creates a locomotive train that travels through your terminal window.

To get this classic train on Debian, Ubuntu, and their derivatives, use:

A rainbow themed train running on your Linux terminal

Install it on RHEL, Fedora, and their derivatives with:

For Arch Linux and its derivatives, use:

The cmatrix command making green characters raining on your Linux terminal like The Matrix movie

You can also add some flags for different scenarios.

If you’re runningArch Linux, you have a few more options.

you may even make the train into a rainbow train if youpipethe sl command with lolcat, like this:

So the next time you misspell thels command, you’ll be greeted with a nice train instead of an error message.

ASCII firework animation running on your terminal

2. CMatrix: Enter the Matrix

Ever wanted to feel like you’re in a scene from “The Matrix” movie? ThisLinux commandturns your terminal into a cascading stream of green characters, much like the Matrix’s digital rain.

To get this hacker terminal effect on Debian, Ubuntu, and their derivatives, use:

Oneko cat running through the Linux terminal

To install it on RHEL, Fedora, and derivatives, run:

After installing the command, run it like this:

Here are a few options you’re able to try to make it more fun:

After executing the command, you may tap some keyboard buttons to get various effects.

Eyeballs following your mouse cursor

If you want to show off your inner hacking skills to your friends, run this command to surprise them with the slick Matrix effect.

3. aafire: ASCII Art Fireworks

The aafire command sets your terminal on fire. Okay, not literally. It launches a dazzling display of ASCII art fireworks across your terminal. It’s a great way to create a virtual bonfire.

To install aafire’s virtual fire on Debian, Ubuntu, and their derivatives, use:

The Linux terminal generating an infinite amount of yes yes yes text

Get aafire on RHEL, Fedora, and their derivatives with:

Install it on Arch Linux and its derivatives using:

The Linux terminal displaying a fake identity generated with the rig command

The only sad part is you can’t feel the real heat or hear the sound.

4. oneko: A Playful Desktop Pet

Here’s one for cat lovers. This adorable pixel art cat will roam your desktop, play with toys, and even curl up for a quick nap.

To get oneko’s cute feline friend on Debian, Ubuntu, and their derivatives, use:

Fishes swimming under the sea in your Linux terminal

Install the command on RHEL, Fedora, and their derivatives using:

Get oneko on Arch Linux and its derivatives with:

Displaying ASCII text banners on the Linux terminal

you may add a lot of options to the command for different characters.

A virtual cat won’t occupy space in your apartment or shed hair on your couch. Sounds purrfect.

5. xeyes: Watch the Eyeballs

A pair of eyes following you all the time? Spooky, right? The xeyes command makes that happen. These animated eyeballs will track your mouse cursor across the screen.

To get these observing eyeballs on Debian, Ubuntu, and their derivatives, use:

For RHEL, Fedora, and their derivatives, run:

Install it on Arch Linux and its derivatives with:

Here are some options you can add with the command:

This command not only adds a touch of surrealism to your screen but also provides an amusing reminder that even your desktop is watching you.

6. espeak: Let Your Computer Speak Up

Not feeling like reading text on your terminal? No problem. The espeak command enables your terminal to speak any text you input. This speech synthesizer command can read text files, pronounce individual words, and even change the voice and pitch of the output speech.

Give speech powers to your terminal on Debian, Ubuntu, and their derivatives with:

To install the command on RHEL, Fedora, and their derivatives, run:

Get it on Arch Linux and its derivatives using:

Install it on openSUSE with:

After installing the command, the most basic way to use it is in the below format:

Replace with any other text and the terminal will read it out loud for you. Here’s an example:

Here are some useful options you’re able to add to the command:

Giving a voice to your Linux terminal is like having a personal narrator on your desktop.

7. yes: The Ultimate Affirmation

The yes command infinitely repeats any text you throw at it. This can be useful in some scenarios where you need to automate creating files or feed the repeated text into some other commands.

This command comes installed by default in most Linux distributions. You can install it on Debian and Ubuntu distributions with:

There are two common ways you can use the command on its own. You can simply enter the command like this:

This will output “y” infinitely until you terminate it using Ctrl+C. The other way is to add some text right after the command, like this:

Replace with any other text. Here’s an example:

This command will keep displaying the text “Linux is fun” until you terminate it. Learn to use the yes command.

8. rig: Generate Virtual Identities

Need a fake name and address to protect your privacy online? The rig command or Random Identity Generator, for short, is your go-to tool. It crafts realistic first and last names, street addresses, cities, states, ZIP codes, and phone numbers.

Get this identity generator on Debian, Ubuntu, and their derivatives with:

Install the program on RHEL, Fedora, and their derivatives using:

For Arch Linux and its derivatives, run:

To install it on openSUSE, use:

After installing the command, enter it into the terminal to generate the identity, like this:

Sorry telemarketers. I’m not giving you my real identity.

9. asciiquarium: Under the Sea

Take a deep dive into the mesmerizing depths of your terminal with asciiquarium. This command turns your terminal into a vibrant underwater world teeming with life.

Get this chilling underwater experience on Ubuntu and its derivatives with:

When you’ve installed the command, run it like this:

When the program is running, you can do a few things with keyboard buttons.

It’s an aquatic way to add a touch of tranquility to your Linux world.

10. toilet: Text Art Banners

The toilet command transforms your text into eye-catching ASCII art banners. Choose from a variety of fonts and styles to create personalized messages.

To create these cool banners on Debian, Ubuntu, and their derivatives, install toilet with:

Get the command on RHEL, Fedora, and their derivatives using:

After installing the command, you can run it like this:

You’ll enter a prompting screen. You can enter any text and press Enter to display it as text banners. Another way to use the command is to wrap a text in double quotes and plug it into the command, like this:

Before we finish this off, we’d also like to show you a cool effect. You can colorize the output text with the lolcat command, like this:

Toying With the Linux Terminal

We hope you found this list of fun Linux commands funny and helpful. While most of these commands may not be useful in your regular usage, they can bring a smile to your face in your most intense terminal sessions.