startx problem

adds2one · 08-30-2005, 10:32 PM

Here is what happened(ns)

Using xwmconfig my root was setup to run KDE by default. I have been using this for several days with no problem, startx always gets me there.

Now I have added a user, jason, I boot up and log on as a jason, I run xwmconfig and choose Gnome. I type "startx" and get into Gnome. Perfect. I log out of Gnome and then "su" to root.

Now when I type "startx" as root I get a "command not found" message.

Can anyone help me with this? Shouldn't I be able to switch users and run startx for each user?

curos · 08-30-2005, 11:17 PM

Here's my guess
use 'su -' (with the dash).
The dash keeps the PATH variable

or maybe you have to actually log in as root rather than use su.

(just as a warning, i'm a newb, so that's my guess)

Basel · 08-31-2005, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Now when I type "startx" as root I get a "command not found" message.

Running X under root is way too dangerous.

adds2one · 08-31-2005, 11:01 AM

Really? Can someone please explain? Should I never run X as root? Does that mean I only use X as a user and just su to root when I need to? Please, I am small and new!

keefaz · 08-31-2005, 11:05 AM

You answered to your own question, use su if you need root privilege in X

If you run X session as root, there are risks of damaging your system
for example, erase mandatory files or remote exploit if you don't pay
attention