Tilde

A character ( ~ ) found on computer keyboards that is generally below the escape, or ESC, key and on the same key as the back quote that is similar to a squiggly line. Below are a few examples of how the tilde is used.

1. Shorten long file names in Microsoft Windows 95 above. For example, changing the "Program Files" directory to "Progra~1".

2. Access the console in programs and games.

3. Get to the home directory on a Linux computer (for example: cd ~).

• An additional listing of computer keyboard keys can be found by clicking here.

• Information about why you may have files on your desktop that are tildes can be found on document CH000527.

Also see: Keyboard definitions