Running graphical programs as root

[Neil Winchurst]

On 05/05/12 14:05, Charlie Kravetz wrote:
> On Sat, 05 May 2012 09:14:52 +0100
> Neil Winchurst <neilwin at drofle.co.uk> wrote:
> 
>> When I am using KDE, for example in kubuntu, and I want to run a
>> graphical program as root I use kdesudo as the command. Example kdesudo
>> kate. If I ever used gnome, which I don't, I understand the command is
>> gksudo.
> 
>> What is the equivalent in Xfce please?
> 
> 
> When using Xubuntu, you would use gksudo, however, it does somewhat
> depend on each distribution. Not all will use gksudo, or even sudo.
> gksudo is used for GUI applications, sudo is used for non-gui
> applications. In other distributions, su is used instead of sudo, and I
> don't know the gksudo equivalent, if there is one.
> 
> 
Well, I am surprised to get so many replies to my query. It all seems
more complicated than I thought. I do use the terminal screen a lot and
I am happy with it. However, occasionally I need to make a small change
to a text file that is owned by root. I could change the permissions via
a terminal screen and then call up a gui text editor, (eg gedit, kate)
to make the change. However in Kubuntu I use kdesudo before the name of
the gui editor and have to give my password. Then I can make the
change(s) and save the file.

As well as kubuntu I use Xubuntu so I wondered how to do this in Xfce.
That was the reason for my question. Thanks for all the replies. I must
now look at sudoedit which is new to me.

Regards

Neil