====== Shell Setup ======

The default startup files for the Terminal don't allow you to easily run applications from ''/usr/local/bin''.  On Panther and Tiger, ''/usr/local/bin'' is not in the PATH.  On Leopard it's //after// ''/usr/bin'', so you can't override system programs with updated versions.

To change this, and set up some other basic shell stuff, you need to change your user startup scripts.  //If any of these files already exist in your home folder// (use ls -a in a new Terminal), use BBEdit to add the quoted lines to the appropriate files.  You only need to do this once.

(If there is no ''.bash_profile'') open a Terminal and type the following (in a new terminal window you should be in your Home folder, stay there):

<code>
$ echo "export PATH=/usr/local/bin:/usr/local/sbin:$PATH" > .bash_profile
$ chmod 644 .bash_profile
</code>

In the future, if other custom paths are needed, edit ''.bash_profile'' and add them to the front of the PATH, separated by colons.

-----

Another nice customization - LESS.  By default, when paging screens in man pages and other paged text, your Terminal buffer is ignored, and everything disappears when the command is finished -- makes it harder to scroll back and forth looking for the info you want.

To make LESS not do this, add this to your ''.bash_profile'':

  LESS=-X

-----

Speaking of the buffer, the default for a Terminal window is 10000 lines.  While this is fine for most users, compilation often exceeds that.  An unlimited buffer doesn't hurt on modern fast Macs -- plenty of memory and speed.  But you may notice a slowdown on slower Macs.  To set an unlimited Terminal buffer:

__For Panther and Tiger__

In a new window, get info (cmd-I).  Select __Buffer__ from the popup menu.  Click the __Unlimited scrollback__ radio button.  Click __Use Settings as Defaults__ to make this default for all Terminal windows.

__For Leopard__

(This may be default already)  From the **Terminal** main menu, select __Preferences__.  Click the __Settings__ button.  Select the saved setting of your choice.  Select the __Window__ tab.  Click the Scrollback __Unlimited__ radio button.  Click the __Default__ button below the settings list to make this the default for all windows.