The ping command in Linux explained
The ping command tests whether another computer can be reached. It is one of the most useful commands for anyone using a live USB drive or a fresh Linux install.
Syntax
ping host
Examples
ping -c 4 example.com: send four test packets
Tip
If ping works by IP address but not by name, the problem is usually DNS.
Keep learning
New to the terminal? Start with Linux terminal basics. You can try every command safely from a live session: see how to try Linux without installing it. Run man ping in a terminal for the full manual.
Frequently asked questions
How do I see every option for ping?
Run man ping for the full manual, or try ping --help for a short summary.
Do I need sudo to run ping?
Not for your own files. You only need sudo when the command changes something owned by the system or another user.
Is it safe to practise ping on a live USB drive?
Mostly yes, because a live session starts fresh each time. Be careful with commands that write to your internal disk, such as rm on a mounted drive or dd.