How do I install Terminal on Windows?

Question

[phyms]

I’m just starting with genomic data analysis and I need to install a terminal on my Windows system. I know many bioinformatics tools work better on Linux or macOS, but I have limited resources to buy a MacBook. What would be the best way to set up a functional terminal for bioinformatics on Windows?

[GenoMax]

I need to install a terminal on my Windows system

If you are using an older version of windows then using a terminal emulation program like MobaXTerm (LINK) can work. It is free for personal use and includes a X11 server that comes in handy if you are going to use/connect to remote servers eventually.

Are you going to have access to central compute facilities? There is only limited analysis that can be done locally for next generation sequence data (especially if you have an older computer with 8G of RAM or less) so keep that in mind as you start.

Answer 1

[Michael]

Just look for Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). Another option for getting a simple shell is git-bash, but that is too limited except for practicing some shell commands. A full introduction on how to setup your system for bioinformatics is in the BioStars handbook, which will pay off if you are starting bioinformatics anyway.

Answer 2

[5heikki]

Microsoft has good instructions on how to install WSL. I also recommend installing the excellent Windows Terminal from the Microsoft store