Root

[moley]

When some programs(GSAMBAD for example) are run I am informed that I must be signed in as the root user, how do i do this from the desktop so that I can continue using the program

[clem]

To launch something from root:

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sudo thecommand

To become root:

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su -

If you've never given root a password, you must first do so before using su -:

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sudo passwd root

Clem

[moley]

I got there eventually, thanks.

[Frijolie]

I know that you gain root access by typing

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sudo the command

but what are the advantages of doing so over, just plain

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su

...? does sudo just work for that particular command and then digress back to user access and the su keep root access until you close the terminal window?

Or is it just the way a Debian/Ubuntu-based distro does things?

[Dr.U]

does sudo just work for that particular command and then digress back to user access and the su keep root access until you close the terminal window?

The way I understand it, is exactly the way you have described it: when using sudo the root access ends with the end of the command. However, any further use of sudo <some command requiring root permission> does not ask again for your password, as long as this next use of sudo occurs within some default time window (I forget what the default time value is, but I seem to remember it being something like 5 or 10 minutes). It is also possible to change the default time to some other value (like 0 minutes, in which case you get asked for your password each time you use sudo) -- but I've also forgotten how to do this change

When using su, you retain root permission until the terminal window is closed (and I remember someone telling me that it is always good practice and safest to first log out of your root access mode (Ctrl-d will do that for you quickly) and then close the terminal window -- but I never do this su stuff: I always use sudo.

Regards,
-- Dr.U

[Frijolie]

cool, lucky guess--i guess..hehe

Thanks for the explanation

[gamedogs]

Ok i tried what you guys posted and when it comes up to the part were it ask you to type in the password when i attempt to write it in the password the keyboard will not respond ???? have no idea whats going on.. any suggestions???? i am trying to install the Quake 3 arena .

[scorp123]

the part were it ask you to type in the password when i attempt to write it in the password the keyboard will not respond

The password or key entries are never echoed back So when you type a password on a UNIX-like system such as Linux, you have to do it blindly ... there won't be any asterixes, no stars, no dashes, no question marks, no visible hint whatsoever that you are typing the password (unlike the BS they show in movies). Just type it and hit enter ... if you didn't do it right the system will tell you so

[gamedogs]

that was it... Thank you again for the help on that one.. I got it installed played it for a bit but now when i get back into the game the sounds gone ??? oh well something new to figure out i guess ..
Thanks again Scorp123

[scorp123]

I got it installed played it for a bit but now when i get back into the game the sounds gone ???

Only in the game or generally?

[gamedogs]

I got it installed played it for a bit but now when i get back into the game the sounds gone ???

Only in the game or generally?

Only in the Game Scorp123.. the funny thing is when i first installed it it was working great sounds and video all with no flaws but after i restrted the pc the sound went MIA on me( missing in action ) and i have no idea what caused it.

[scorp123]

Well ... can't you just check the sound settings and the volumes again? Maybe it's something harmless like that.

[trsnrtr]

Might want to check the PCM control under the Volume Control to see if it's turned down also. I've had that a couple of times.

[gamedogs]

Might want to check the PCM control under the Volume Control to see if it's turned down also. I've had that a couple of times.

I checked all the sound settings and they are all up ... I cant seem to pin point this problem.. everything else in the game is working fine its almost like its muted but all the settings are ok.. i wonder if its a Sound Blaster Issue with the game ??