Modify lilo.conf when not logged in as root
 

Hi fellow-helpers,

I just installed Mandrake 10.0 in dual boot with Win2000. It is the first time I install a non-microsoft os on my machine and the first time I use it by myself so... i'm not so used to it. Mandrake installed Lilo as the boot loader and set up Linux as the default os. Since I am still shamefully using Windows more than Linux, i want to modify lilo's config file.

I found that this file is located in etc/lilo.conf. I am able to read this file but since I am not logged in as root or admin or whatever, I don't have a write permission.

I'm searching for a point-and-click type of anwser but I am also interested to know how the good guys do it.

Thanks in advance,
BBS

PS: I am using KDE

you'll need to logout, then login as root. you may then use any text editor for your changes. the other option is from a command line

su -
password <root password>

pico /etc/lilo.conf

pico is a command line text editor, fairly easy to use.
good luck.

<edit>don't forget to run lilo after you've made changes

/sbin/lilo </edit>

don't know a point/click way - but you can open a terminal (click the screen with the shell on it in the default panel) - then at the prompt type

su

then type the root passwd you set during install. then, launch the text editor you want to use from that terminal window, by typing the name of the editor there. to get back to user mode, type

exit


:cool:

I read that login as root is to be avoided for security reasons. Is there a way to modify this file without logging out from KDE but by just getting the proper permissions to perform the action?

check post #3 above :D

Thanks to both of you!! Gonna try this now.

Loggin in as root should only be avoided when you have no reason to be root. The security reason is just that it's all-too-easy to accidentally delete a file and damage the system when logged in as root. If you actually have changes to make, such as modifying the lilo.conf file then there's no problem. The su method outlined by someone above is good because you su, enter the root password, do what you need to do and then type exit to stop being root.

I finally found a point-and-click way to do this. Here's a simple mummy-friendly task list:

1) Click the "Star" button
2) Select "System\Configuration\Configure your computer"
3) In the popup window, enter your root password
You're now in the "Mandrake Control Center"
4) Click the "Boot" icon
5) Click the "Boot loader" icon
6) Click the "Next" button
7) In the listing, select the OS you want to boot with
8) Click the "Modify" button
A new configuration window appear
9) Check the "default" checkbox
10) Click the "OK" button
11) Click the "Finish" button in the "Mandrake Control Center"
You're done! Congratulations!