2012-04-15

Using GNOME Terminal Custom Commands

There are numerous terminal session managers and profile managers, etc... for use by people [typically network and system administrators] who have to SSH or telnet to lots of hosts.   But most of these aren't packages or very well maintained - fortunately there is an almost stealth solution built into the familiar gnome-terminal application.
Multiple profiles can be created in gnome-terminal and profiles can be assigned to "Run a custom command instread of my shell";  this command can be anything.  So that profile can automatically telnet or SSH to another host, potentiall even launch an application on that host (such as firing up GNU screen).

The defined profiles are conveniently available in "Files" / "Open Terminal" and "File" / "Open Tab" menu.  Simply create a profile for each host or device that you typically jump on to. If SSH is in use the automatic tie-in to the GNOME passphrase and keyring will kick in.
Generally you don't want a terminal emulator to grab your keystrokes - you want them to go to the application or session.  Under gnome-terminal's "Edit" / "Keyboard Shortcuts" you can enable F10 to activate the ring-menu which will allow you to conveniently navigate to profiles using just the keyboard.

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