$prompt (newbie question)

wogga · 05-31-2004, 12:36 PM

Sometimes when i type in a command at the $ prompt, nothing happens and i am presented with a new line with no $ prompt.

what is the machine doing and how do i get out of that state?

XavierP · 05-31-2004, 12:40 PM

$ = normal user with no admin rights
# = root or the super user or admin

It seems that you are trying to run commands as a user that should be run as root.

Try this:

Code:

[username@localhost username]$ 
Password: type in the root password
[username@localhost username]#

Then type in the command again

trickykid · 05-31-2004, 12:55 PM

Its when bash or the shell is expecting something else.. just ctrl-c to get out of it in most cases.

XavierP · 05-31-2004, 01:00 PM

or type exit.

(Looks like I misread the original post)

wogga · 05-31-2004, 03:04 PM

Hey Xavier
how do i go into admin mode.
i did not understand how to type in the code that you pasted

Code:

[username@localhost username]$ 
Password: type in the root password
[username@localhost username]#

when i hit return, all i get is
[tigger@localhost tigger$
tigger being me

XavierP · 05-31-2004, 03:08 PM

Pah - I obviously need help with copying and pasting.

The command after the prompt should have been su, then follow the remainder as I wrote it. Also type (as a user) man su for other options.

wogga · 05-31-2004, 03:50 PM

works like a charm
thanks dude

XavierP · 05-31-2004, 03:53 PM

No problem