From 311cf092142db9cf90cd315b556bc428e2afe4bd Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Not Mark Date: Tue, 23 Aug 2016 10:34:30 -0500 Subject: [PATCH] Tried to make sudo/su section more clear --- README.md | 4 ++++ 1 file changed, 4 insertions(+) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 3e32d5c..09a5d51 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -190,6 +190,10 @@ Notes: - For a simple web server for all files in the current directory (and subdirs), available to anyone on your network, use: `python -m SimpleHTTPServer 7777` (for port 7777 and Python 2) and `python -m http.server 7777` (for port 7777 and Python 3). +- For running a command as another user, use `sudo`. Defaults to running as root; use `-u` to specify another user. Use `-i` to login as that user (you will be asked for _your_ password). + +- For switching to another user, use `su`. Add `-` to get an environment as if the user just logged in. By default this switches to root, but you can specify a user: `su - user`. You will be asked for the password _of the user you are switching to_. + - For running a command with privileges, use `sudo` (for root) or `sudo -u` (for another user). Use `sudo bash` to actually run a shell as that user. Use `su` to login as another user and `sudo -i` to login as root. Use `su -` to simulate a fresh login as root or another user. - Know about the [128K limit](https://wiki.debian.org/CommonErrorMessages/ArgumentListTooLong) on command lines. This "Argument list too long" error is common when wildcard matching large numbers of files. (When this happens alternatives like `find` and `xargs` may help.)