create a shortcut (launcher) for root terminal on my desktop

[oliver-fedora]

This maybe a bit simple for you so please be patient.

Ok, everytime I log-in (FC4) using my user account (non-root), most of the time I need to use the terminal for the root account so I issue the command "su -" then type my root password.
I find this a bit annoying at some time especially in my case that I'm the only one using my computer.
So my question is "It is possible to create a shortcut on my desktop that will automatically launch the terminal on root account without typing the root password"? Or do you have better ideas?

thnx

[sebnukem]

apparently there's a 'gksu' package to do that. Don't know what it's worth I never tried it
ttp://easylinux.info/wiki/Fedora_fc5#How_to_get_a_shortcut_to_Root_Terminal

[u-noneinc-s]

If you are using kde you can easily add one to the panel. There is a terminal (super user mode) in the
kmenu -> system -> more applications -> Terminal Program Super User Mode. When it opens it will ask for a password.
Not sure about gnome, but I believe there is one there too.

[oliver-fedora]

i tried gksu but it doesn't seem to work.
how about a script? is there a way off doing this by writing a script which i can call everytime?
my goal is just to have the root terminal without asking for password.

thnx

[sebnukem]

ok, like i said i don't know anything about gksu...

what about a 'sudo gnome-terminal' command? Update your /etc/sudoers for the command to work without asking the password...

[u-noneinc-s]

My 3rd mistake today. I didn't see the "without typing my root password" comment. That said, konsole is stil a valid option,
and you can put it on the desktop, and for the command to launch it (thanks sebnukem) #sudo konsole --type su
konsole with su priveledges no password (if you have sudoers set up for no password)

[dshaw256]

Add your account to the sudoers file to look like this:

david ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL

Run visudo as root to get this line in there. (Note that david is my login name.)

Once you have this in place, you can run any command as super user by just typing "sudo <command>" If you don't mind sticking "sudo" in front of everything you do, it gets the job done in a normal terminal window without a lot of muss.

[sebnukem]

Ok, I personally use GNOME so here's what I came up with:

- I created a custom launcher in the panel with the command 'sudo gnome-terminal -x su -'
- I added the following line in /etc/sudoers:
username hostname=(ALL) ALL, NOPASSWD: /usr/bin/gnome-terminal

(replace username & hostname with valid names)

It's kinda nice. I will keep using it.

[sebnukem]

Dave,

I have tried running just 'sudo gnome-terminal' but the problem with it is that the environment of the terminal is still the user's. The '-x su -' properly reloads the root environment in the terminal.

[u-noneinc-s]

My .cshrc alias ...
alias root 'sudo xterm -aw -rw -sb -rightbar -sl 512 -bg black -fg red -fn 10X20'
When it's open, you know at a glance it's a root terminal. Probaly will work with other terms. I type #root I get this.

[oliver-fedora]

hi sebnukem, yes the sudo works, based exactly on what you posted.
thanks a lot, i put the shortcut on my desktop and on the panel bar.
i used the gsku root as icon. (i think that's what it's for...hehe.. )
simple things really makes me happy. :-)

also want to thank others for their help!

cheers

[dshaw256]

Originally Posted by sebnukem

Dave,

I have tried running just 'sudo gnome-terminal' but the problem with it is that the environment of the terminal is still the user's. The '-x su -' properly reloads the root environment in the terminal.

That's true, and it hadn't occurred to me. Thanks for pointing that out.

[foxmuldar]

I had it on Debian, i want to be able to turn on my linux box and signin without a user name or PW...will someone please help me with this?

Thanks in advance for the help
foxmuldar,