How to Switch Users in Linux
Switching users in Linux is a fundamental skill that every user should master. Whether you need to perform administrative tasks or simply want to maintain separate user profiles for different activities, knowing how to switch users is essential. In this article, we will explore various methods to switch users in Linux, ensuring that you can easily manage multiple user accounts on your system.
Method 1: Using the ‘su’ Command
The ‘su’ (substitute user) command is one of the most common methods to switch users in Linux. It allows you to log in as another user while maintaining your current environment. To switch to a different user, follow these steps:
1. Open a terminal window.
2. Type ‘su’ followed by the username you want to switch to. For example, ‘su username’.
3. Enter the password for the user you are switching to.
After entering the password, you will be logged in as the specified user, and the terminal will display the new user’s username at the prompt.
Method 2: Using the ‘su’ Command with ‘sudo’
If you need to switch to a user with administrative privileges, you can use the ‘sudo’ command in conjunction with ‘su’. This method allows you to execute commands with elevated privileges while still switching to another user. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open a terminal window.
2. Type ‘sudo su’ followed by the username you want to switch to. For example, ‘sudo su username’.
3. Enter the password for the user you are switching to.
Once you enter the password, you will be logged in as the specified user with administrative privileges.
Method 3: Using the ‘switch_user’ Command
The ‘switch_user’ command is a more modern approach to switching users in Linux. It is available in newer versions of the GNOME desktop environment and can be used to switch users without logging out. To switch users using ‘switch_user’, follow these steps:
1. Open the GNOME Terminal or any other terminal window.
2. Type ‘switch_user’ followed by the username you want to switch to. For example, ‘switch_user username’.
3. Enter the password for the user you are switching to.
After entering the password, you will be logged in as the specified user without logging out of your current session.
Method 4: Using the ‘gksu’ Command
The ‘gksu’ (Graphical KDE Super User) command is a graphical utility for switching users in Linux. It is particularly useful if you prefer a graphical interface for user switching. To switch users using ‘gksu’, follow these steps:
1. Open a terminal window.
2. Type ‘gksu’ followed by the command you want to execute as another user. For example, ‘gksu nautilus’ to open the file manager as another user.
3. Enter the password for the user you are switching to.
After entering the password, the specified command will be executed as the specified user.
Conclusion
Switching users in Linux is a simple yet essential task. By using the ‘su’ command, ‘sudo’ with ‘su’, ‘switch_user’, or ‘gksu’, you can easily switch between different user accounts on your Linux system. Mastering these methods will help you maintain separate user profiles and perform administrative tasks efficiently.
