Ubuntu Server editing file from command line

Question

First attempts at a linux distro. Trying to run JeOS as a virtual machine on my mac with vmware fusion. Installed ubuntu server 9.04 minimal virtual machine. Installed ssh. Installed VMwareTools.

Now I am trying to change permissions to a shared folder from my mac. I type in this command "sudo vi /etc/fstab" into terminal while ssh into my virtual machine. How do I edit whatever sort of text file it brings up from the command line. My up and down arrows just end up putting random letters in and I can't input where I want.

Basically trying to follow this guide: http://intranation.com/entries/2009/03/development-virtual-machines-os-x-using-vmware-and/

And I am at the very last steps where it tries to get read write permissions to the shared Projects folder.

Thanks

Answer 1

Press:

• k to move the cursor up
• j to move the cursor down
• h to move the cursor left
• l to move the cursor right
• i to insert text
• Esc to be able to navigate and use other commands
• :w to save
• :q to quit
• ZZ or :wq to save and quit.

Answer 2

Use nano instead of vi? nano functions like graphical text editors.

Answer 3

Press the Insert button on your keyboard. That will allow you to navigate the file with the up/down arrow keys and type letters like normal. You can save and exit by pressing Escape then :x then Enter. Should be all you need.