| You can temporarily switch to another
user account to access files and directories that belong to that user
by using the su
(switch user) command. You sometimes may need to switch to another
user account in order to modify files they own or do something on
their behalf. Administrators typically utilize the su
command when troubleshooting user problems or to test authorization
and account behavior with certain applications. When switched to
another user's account, you will have access to all of the same files
that they have.
To switch user IDs, you must supply the
password of the user ID you are switching to unless you are currently
logged in as root. When you switch to another user account, you
become that user and have all access and privileges that they have. To
switch back to your previous user ID, type exit.
The Figure shows two examples of the su
command. In the first example, su
is used without options. When su
is used without options, you will not change directory locations.
Environmental settings customized for your user ID will also remain in
effect. To switch to another UID and have the system read the new
user's initialization files, you must use a dash (-) between the
command and the new user ID as shown in the second example.
If su
is used without specifying options or a user account to switch to, you
will switch to the superuser or root account. System administrators
normally work under their regular user account and su
to root when necessary to perform administrative tasks. As with
switching to another user account, the root account requires knowledge
of the root password before the system will allow you to switch
accounts.
| Command Format: |
| su [-] username |
|