It is not necessary to leave Emacspeak to execute a Linux command. To execute a command within Emacspeak, press Esc, then type ! followed by the name of the command when Emacspeak prompts you. To exit the command output window, press Ctrl+X, followed by 1

This functionality is extremely useful. You can even print and compile files you are working on within Emacspeak. For more information on Linux shell commands refer to Josh's Linux Guide or any other comparable command resource.

Josh's Linux Guide is available from http://linuxguide.sourceforge.net/linux-commands.html