What is PICO?

PICO stands for PIne COmposer.

PICO is a simple text editor which comes with the Unix/DOS newsreader PINE.

PICO does not have many commands and therefore is easy to learn and use. Commands are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

When would you use PICO?

When you need to make small corrections or minor changes to the HTML code of your webpage stored at HWCN, you would use PICO. While it is possible to make minor corrections without knowing HTML, it helps to know a little bit about how HTML works. PICO shows not only the content of your web page but also the HTML tags.

(For making major changes to your webpage, it will be easier to do it on your personal computer and upload the page to HWCN.)

How do you start PICO?

The E command will allow you to edit the document you are viewing (if you have update privileges). If you are in your directory, the E command will allow you to edit the selected document.

How do you edit with PICO?

A list of PICO commands can be found at http://www.hwcn.org/Help/AuthorHTML/PicoCommandList.html.

Use the arrow keys to move the cursor. (The mouse will not work.)

Editing commands are entered using Control Key combinations. (The ^ in the list of commands at the bottom of the screen indicates the Control Key.)

How do you save the changes and exit PICO?

Use ^ X to leave PICO and save your changes.

Then what?

The PICO display does not reflect how the document actually appears when viewed with different browsers. Use your browser to view the document to ensure that it is how you want it. (You may have to refresh your display.)

Help with PICO can be found at http://www.hwcn.org/Help/AuthorHTML/pico_toc.html.