Running graphical programs as root

[Buzz]

On Sunday 06 May 2012 05:28:23 Neil Winchurst wrote:
> 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.
I went down a similar path when I first started using Linux. I'm sure I will 
be corrected if I am wrong, but I believe the "su" command is standard in all 
Linux distributions. Therefore if you are comfortable with the command line 
and are primarily looking to edit certain configuration files, it may be worth 
your while to have a look at some terminal based text editors.

If you tinker with stuff, and break it like I do, it can be really handy to be 
familiar with some basic commands in an editor like Vi or Vim.

-- 
Buzz