Switching users with su
Command Line – Switching Users
© Lead Image © bee32, 123RF.com
There are more ways to switch users than you may know. The su command offers security and versatility.
The su (substitute or switch user) command lets you change from the current account to another user or group ID [1]. It can be used for security purposes, such as running the web in a more locked-down account without access to other files, but its most common purpose is to switch from a user account to root in distributions that are not set up to use sudo. Although the target account must be logged into, using su requires fewer steps than logging out of one account and into another. When the session is no longer needed, the command exit will return the terminal to the original account.
su Options
Frequently used to switch from a user account to root, the bare command switches to the root account given, but it does not change the current directory or environment. This option is convenient for small tasks, such as entering a single command, but it can cause problems if the root account differs greatly from the original account. By contrast, adding --login (-, -l) opens a login shell that changes to the target account's home directory (in this case, /root) and activates the environment variables HOME, SHELL, USER, LOGNAME, and PATH (Figure 1). This option can be inconvenient if you plan to work on files in the original directory, but it removes the chance of a problem caused by a change in the environments, making it suited for a longer session in the target account.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Framework Laptop 13 Pro Competes with the Best
Framework has released what might be considered the MacBook of Linux devices.
-
The Latest CachyOS Features Supercharged Kernel
The latest release of CachyOS brings with it an enhanced version of the latest Linux kernel.
-
Kernel 7.0 Is a Bit More Rusty
Linux kernel 7.0 has been released for general availability, with Rust finally getting its due.
-
France Says "Au Revoir" to Microsoft
In a move that should surprise no one, France announced plans to reduce its reliance on US technology, and Microsoft Windows is the first to get the boot.
-
CIQ Releases Compatibility Catalog for Rocky Linux
The company behind Rocky Linux is making an open catalog available to developers, hobbyists, and other contributors, so they can verify and publish compatibility with the CIQ lineup.
-
KDE Gets Some Resuscitation
KDE is bringing back two themes that vanished a few years ago, putting a bit more air under its wings.
-
Ubuntu 26.04 Beta Arrives with Some Surprises
Ubuntu 26.04 is almost here, but the beta version has been released, and it might surprise some people.
-
Ubuntu MATE Dev Leaving After 12 years
Martin Wimpress, the maintainer of Ubuntu MATE, is now searching for his successor. Are you the next in line?
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.