Launch an editor from desktop in su mode?

jkpalmer52 · 11-14-2003, 07:14 AM

Is there a way to launch gedit (or any other good editor for that matter) from an icon in su mode?

randomblast · 11-14-2003, 08:10 AM

with what?
kde, gnome, windowmaker...
i think in kde you can choose "run as different user" in the icon properties.
oh, and gedit sux, use emacs (no offense whoever made gedit)

itsjustme · 11-14-2003, 08:29 AM

I just tested this on Red Hat 8.

Right click on the desktop.
Choose Create New
Choose Link to Application
General Tab: gedit (just the name)
Execute: gedit (the command)
--------: check Run as a different user, Username : root

Then when you click on the new icon, it will ask you for root password.
And you're off...

Edit: This is with KDE.

jkpalmer52 · 11-14-2003, 08:51 AM

sorry. I'm using gnome.

itsjustme · 11-14-2003, 08:53 AM

Does gnome not have a similar right click on the desktop to add an icon and set the user?

jkpalmer52 · 11-14-2003, 08:56 AM

There's a right click to create a new "launcher", but no option to set the user.

Nimoy · 11-14-2003, 09:31 AM

If you're using Red Hat - Try this

1) Right Click on your desktop

2) Select open new terminal

3) DON'T PANIC !

4) Type: su <Enter>

5) Input your password and press <Enter>

6) Type mc <Enter>

If the midnight commander is installed you'll be able to scroll through files like in the old Norton Commander

When you find the file you need to edit press F3 to edit - F4 to view

When you're done - Save the file (the key's needed are shown on screen)

Back at the prompt type: Exit <Enter>

You are now out of root mode

Type Exit once more and you're back in your Desktop environment...

itsjustme · 11-14-2003, 09:39 AM

Man, that's a little way past clicking on an icon as jkpalmer52 is asking about, eh?

Nimoy · 11-14-2003, 09:58 AM

Prolly is - but if jk... needs to fix something in a hurry... well then he/she might as well be informed on how to potentially fix it...

However if anyone has an easy solution.... join in!

Another way would be writing a script thet was executed by clicking on a launcher placed on the desktop.

The script would begin by issuing the su command - You would then be compelled to enter your pwd - the script would then launch gedit or whichever editor you wanted...

Nimoy · 11-14-2003, 10:14 AM

Next method

Open a terminal window

Type su

Type your pwd

Type gedit

Boom! - You can now edit and save the protected file in the GUI editor

jkpalmer52 · 11-14-2003, 10:21 AM

That was the obvious choice. I was looking for something real quick. The kdesu konqueror works very well for my needs.

Thanks to all who jumped in.

Nimoy · 11-14-2003, 10:26 AM

Good - but please try to keep your question in separate thread don't double post the same questions! That way people will also better be able to search for answers if the threads are clean and specific so to speak...

jkpalmer52 · 11-14-2003, 10:32 AM

Sorry. It started out as a global question. I'll be more careful next time about double posting. Would that also apply for "double chastising"? ;-)

Nimoy · 11-14-2003, 11:28 AM

Lol - Knew I was going to hear about that

- Don't know about the double chastising...

I can fully understand the frustration when there is a lack of info though.... which is why I didn't report the double post... I just wanted to make the point as searching specifics is always better than.... well you understand - Heck I suspect I did something similar in my early days

Glad that things were resolved