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hi all, i'm logged as user 'lg' and typed su and prompts for passwd i gave the root passwd and logged into #. but when i type ifconfig - its ...
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  1. 06-14-2007 #1
    Lakshmipathi
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    Thumbs up what's difference bw su and su -root?

    hi all,
    i'm logged as user 'lg' and typed
    su and prompts for passwd i gave the root passwd and logged into #.
    but when i type ifconfig - its say no cmd found...but i can see ifconfig in /sbin/bin
    then i login again as using,
    su - root
    now ifconfig works ...why is it so..what's difference between loggin as
    su and su - root?
    Thanks
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  2. 06-14-2007 #2
    devils casper
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    su doesn't add path of folders that have root access only in $PATH.
    check it:
    Code:
    su
echo $PATH
exit
su -
echo $PATH
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  3. 06-14-2007 #3
    Lakshmipathi
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    Smile

    thanks...yes..PATH varies for two...thanks...but is that the only difference between su and su - and there is no there difference??
    First they ignore you,Then they laugh at you,Then they fight with you,Then you win. - M.K.Gandhi
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  4. 06-14-2007 #4
    daark.child
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    If you use "su", you do not inherit any of the users environmental variables and settings e.g. the path whereas using "su -" spawns a new login shell with all the users variables and settings.
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  5. 06-14-2007 #5
    devils casper
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    'su -' changes the present working directory too. its like dropping you at root shell.
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  6. 06-14-2007 #6
    msi_333
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    cool

    Cool thread , i am new member to this forum and really liked it
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  7. 06-14-2007 #7
    devils casper
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    Welcome to the LinuxForums.
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  8. 06-15-2007 #8
    Lakshmipathi
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    Smile

    Thanks guyz..
    @ mis333 : welcome to linux forums ...enjoy and happy coding
    First they ignore you,Then they laugh at you,Then they fight with you,Then you win. - M.K.Gandhi
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