Is there a way to have linux boot into the running operating system instead of booting to a login shell???

In other words.....

when I boot up the computer, I want linux to just simply boot right into my users account without asking me to login

a) You can.
Actually quite easily (I know how to with KDE).

b) You shouldn't.
Just because it's [b]VERY[/] poor practice in terms of
security. Even if you're the only user of the machine,
what if someone STEALS the machine? A bit of paranoia
is good for you (and your belongings).


Cheers,
Tink

To add to the comments from Tinkster, what if you have a problem booting, as in 'it won't let you in' and you need root privilege to fix it. You can't get there because of the automagic login.

I tried that automatic login once, and never again. Just because of the scenario I mentioned above.

I really appreciate your concern. I realize full well the risks of booting without a login prompt. The computer that I want to do this on is a small server on my home network. I have no monitor or other peripherals for the pc and it's placement is nowhere near the other computers. MAKES IT A LITTLE DIFFICULT TO LOGIN TO A LOGIN PROMPT.......


Thanks Anyway...I'll find the answer elsewhere

I'm curious why you'd need to have it automatically login if you're not going to be using it directly; everything will start up and run, unless you have certain things that only run when you logon, in which case you should create startup scripts to start them when the machine boots.

I had a timed login (with KDE) and just tried it for few days...I no more have it...

I am not using Redhat that much now a days....
because I cannot access Internet as I have D-Link 502T ADSL modem and redhat 9 does not have a driver!

Really...what the heck is the point. Just turn on the power and leave it. No sense logging in if you can't use the thing...

The server that I want logged automatic is number four on a four node network!!!!!

I DO NOT HAVE A MONITOR OR PERPHS FOR THAT MACHINE!!!!!!!!!

I see no need to buy a monitor or perphs for that machine since it's only going to be used as a simple home server!!!!!

In other words, that computer will act as a server to hold files from the other computers on the network!!!!!

Jesus, whats the point in debating an issue that doesnt concern you? Either you know the answer to a question and would like to help out, or you don't know the answer to a question and maybe need not to post. What the hell does anyone here care about what I do to my computer? I mean come on!!!!!! Screwing up is how you learn..........


Cause and Effect......you know?

Just answer the question or dont answer the question. I or noone else needs a mother here!

THEN WHAT IN THE HELL IS THE POINT OF AUTOMATICALLY STARTING A USER SESSION!!!!!

Jeez, just use ssh already...
No one is telling you to get a monitor and keyboard, just trying to wrangle why you feel you need to do this...

At the risk of sounding redundant: what you are trying to do is pointless.

Right, and you either want some appropriate answers to your question or you don't.
Another good way to learn is by listening to those that have more experience with something than you
Fine. AFAIK you cannot do an automatic text login. So go ahead and install X|G|KDM
and have an automatic X session login on your bloody headless server...

Hell noone gave any appropriate information. Everyone just assumed this or that. Not once did anyone simply ask what I wanted to use the damn thing for.

Listen, I apologize for even posting this. thank your for your comments.

Whatever. Go have a nap...

Actually we did, but quite simply, you can't do _anything_ with it.
As you so elegantly said, you don't have a monitor or keyboard, so maybe you would like to explain how you are going to access this automatic login session?

if you really want to have a useless automatic login, here's how

edit your init script so it has the command
and also remove your user password

there!

matthewa, it appears you don't understand how Linux works. If all this machine is doing is holding files, you don't need a user logged in at all, just boot it. If you have SSH configured and running, you can login via SSH to administer it when needed, and not need a monitor, kbd, or mouse.

SSH will usually include SCP and SFTP for transferring files to/from the box. If you are using this with Windows machines, you could also install Samba and be able to map a drive to this server, though it's less secure than using SCP and SFTP.

If you're using other Linux boxes, you could use NFS to mount the filesystems remotely, but again, that's generally not as secure.

Now, I don't mean to be rude, but if this doesn't answer your questions, you don't know what you are asking for.