Teaching bash to beginners who only used Windows

I wrote a class that you could have a look at for understanding the command line, you can find the pdf files here:

http://doctormo.org/2009/07/15/ubuntu-system-admin-class-command-line-basics/

I cover some nice aspects of understanding bash for beginners, running programs, understanding directories etc. feel free to update, rewrite, draw inspiration from etc.

You can also take a look at CLIcompanion:

CLI Companion is a tool to store and run Terminal commands from a GUI. People unfamiliar with the Terminal will find CLI Companion a useful way to become acquainted with the Terminal and unlock its potential. Experienced users can use CLI Companion to store their extensive list of commands in a searchable list.

More info (and how to install): https://help.ubuntu.com/community/clicompanion

PS: IMHO the most important command for newcomers is man <command>. ;-)

Make sure that you talk not only about how to use the command line, but why they should care. If you're thinking in a GUI mindset, cd and pwd are a poor way to traverse directories looking for files. Your students need to understand that the CLI is not a clumsy way of doing the tasks they're used to doing, but a clean, crisp, and powerful way to do lots of cool stuff.

I would suggest a short demonstration illustrating what makes it so cool. Maybe an illustration of piping, or a cool use of find or grep.

Also, if you can assign them a book to read, give them In the Beginning...was the Command Line. It is the best exposition I've seen on the philosophy behind CLI in general.