How to determine directory size ?

[Paul Howarth]

Bob Goodwin wrote:
> I have several ways to display directory and file listings but none 
> total the directory size. I would like to know the size before 
> attempting to copy to a CD for back up. xcdroast tells me after I've 
> entered all the data but by that time I may have too much or less than 
> optimum.
> 
> How can I get the size in advance?

Check out "man du"

Paul.