Some questions for a newbie

[Jack Coates]

On Sun, 2003-07-27 at 10:49, Rich Shepard wrote:
> On Sun, 27 Jul 2003, Christel & Dr. Frank Biendara wrote:
> 
> > 1) How can I start applications with root right directly from the xfce
> > panel. I emerged (installed) several "su" commands like xsu and gksu but
> > the best I got is that "some" apps start as root from the terminal
> 
>   Why do you want to start applications with root priviledges? Some programs
> -- such as pppd -- run suid, but almost all are designed to be run as a
> user. When you need to complete an administrative task that requires root
> priviledges, su the run it.
> 

If you're into networks, you'll want to use root privileges a lot. Some
tools I use all the time: iptraf, ethereal, tcpdump, etherape, ettercap,
those all need root to open the ethernet card's promiscuous mode.

>   I've read that many folks who defenestrate from Microsoft like to run as
> root because that's essentially how it's done in Winduhs. After the first
> time you wipe out your file system you'll learn to run _everything_ as a
> user unless there's no alternative.
> 
> > 2) How can I show texts in the xfce panel. The icons are great most
> > times but when they are becoming more it's sometimes hard to remember
> > which icon is for which program.
> 
>   Well, according to those who promote GUIs, pictures are "intuitive".
> Therefore, you should not have to ask this question. :-) Seriously, I keep
> the pictures to an absolute mimimum and use text instead. I learned how to
> read many, many years ago and it's worked wonderfully for me ever since.
> Memorizing the meaning of pictures is counter-intuitive for productivity.
> Anyway, if you pause the mouse cursor over the icon the command line
> associated with it will pop up. And, after a while, you'll remember what
> applications you've assigned to which button.
> 
> > 4) Is an automatic log-in possible.
> 
>   I'm not sure what you mean by "automatic login". Will the computer know
> who you are when you put your hands on the keyboard and automatically log
> you in? Nope. However, if you modify /etc/inittab's default run level from 3
> to 4 or 5 (the former in slackware/debian, the latter in red hat) then the
> system will boot into a GUI login screen. And, if you define kdm as the tool
> for that you'll be able to shut down the system as a user, too. Handy for
> portables; not too handy for workstations on all the time.
> 
> Good luck,
> 
> Rich
> 
> 
> Dr. Richard B. Shepard, President
> 
>                        Applied Ecosystem Services, Inc. (TM)
>             2404 SW 22nd Street | Troutdale, OR 97060-1247 | U.S.A.
>  + 1 503-667-4517 (voice) | + 1 503-667-8863 (fax) | rshepard@appl-ecosys.com
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-- 
Jack Coates
Monkeynoodle: A Scientific Venture...