SU(1)SU(1)NAMEsu - substitute user id temporarily
SYNOPSISsu [ -f ] [ - ] [ username [ args ... ] ]
DESCRIPTION
Su demands the password of the specified username, and if it is given,
changes to that username 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(7)). The new user ID stays in
force until the Shell exits.
If no username is specified, ``root'' is assumed. You may su to
``root'' only if you are a member of the ``wheel'' group, even if no
root password is set. To su to ``root'', you must supply the root
password. To remind the super-user of his responsibilities, the Shell
substitutes `#' for its usual prompt.
args arguments are passed to the shell of username which su invokes.
This allows su to execute commands as another user.
The -f option prevents csh(1) from executing the .cshrc file; thus
making su start up faster.
The - option simulates a full login.
An alternative implementation of su is in /bin/su.wheel. This version,
which is shipped without the setuid-root bit turned on, allows users in
the ``wheel'' group (group 0) to su to ``root'' using either their own
password or the root password. This version offers more convenience,
but if your site is concerned about the increased potential for
security problems, you should continue to use the standard version of
su.
SEE ALSOsh(1), csh(1)3rd Berkeley Distribution July 18, 1988 SU(1)