Linux

If a Computer Won't Start from a CD, DVD or USB Drive

Filesystems

Partitioning

Live CDs for Partitioning

Grub

Master Boot Record

Root Terminal

Root File Manager

Root Text Editor

File Ownership

File Permissions

List the Contents of a Directory

Change Directory

Mount a Drive or Partition

Mount an ISO Image Without Writing it to a CD or DVD

Download Large Files

Other Commands

Dial Up Modems

Linux Links

Other Links

Contact Details

Linux

Root Terminal

When perfoming tasks which do not need root or administrator privileges, use a normal terminal. Only use a root terminal to perform tasks which need root or administrator privileges. If you do something wrong in the Root Terminal, you could mess up the operating system.

From the Menu

With some Linux distributions, you can open a root terminal from the menu while logged in using your username. You need to enter the password.

Log in as Root

With many Linux distributions, you log in as root and open the terminal.

Sudo

Some Linux distributions use sudo. When using these distributions, you can use a normal terminal, and type "sudo" preceeding each command you want to run as root.

Examples of Linux distributions which use sudo include Mint, Kubuntu, Tiny Core, Ubuntu, Xubuntu and distributions based on them.

Debian Gnome

You can open a Root Terminal in Debian Gnome from the menu. It is under Applications -> Accessories -> Root Terminal. You need to enter the root password.

Another option is to open a normal Terminal, and type:

You need to enter the root password.

Debian KDE

You can open a Root Terminal from the menu in Debian KDE. It is under System -> More Applications -> Terminal Program - Super User Mode. You will need to enter the root password.

Another option is to open a normal Terminal, and type:

You need to enter the root password.

Debian Xfce

To start a Root Terminal in Debian Xfce, open a Normal Terminal, and type:

You need to enter the root password.

Tiny Core

When using Tiny Core, you can use a normal Terminal, and type "sudo" before each command.

A Root Terminal can be started in Tiny Core from the menu (right mouse click). Go to XShells -> Root Access -> then which ever you prefer.

Another option is to open a normal Terminal and type:

Ubuntu, Kubuntu and Xubuntu

When using Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, Mint, and distributions based on them, you can use a normal Terminal, and type "sudo" before each command. You need to enter the password.

Some things may not work using sudo.

To get a root terminal, type:

Return to a Normal Terminal

If you started a root terminal using "su," "sudo su" or "sudo -i," to return to a normal terminal, type:

Another option is to close the terminal and reopen it.

If you are logged in as root, log out and log in using your username.

© Copyright Guy Shipard 2008 - 2009