NAME

su − substitute user id temporarily

SYNOPSIS

su [ userid ]

DESCRIPTION

Su demands the password of the specified userid, and if it is given, changes to that userid and invokes the Shell sh(1) or csh(1), without changing the current directory.

The user environment is unchanged except for HOME and SHELL, which are taken from the password file for the user being substituted (see environ(5)). The new user ID stays in force until the Shell exits. or another su is received. 

If no userid is specified, ’root’ is assumed.  Usually it is the super-user who has access to other passwords and can therefore assume other identities.  To remind the super-user of his responsibilities, the Shell substitutes ’#’ for its usual prompt. 

EXAMPLE

su unisoft

would cause the system to ask for UniSoft’s password; if the password is typed in correctly, UniSoft’s identity is substituted for yours, so far as the system is concerned. 

SEE ALSO

csh(1), sh(1)

7th Edition  —  1/27/82