Linux Format forums

MGE · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 2:33 am Post subject: Bash Scripting Help

Howdy

I have been trying to create a script to automate various processes, however, I can't figure out how to run certain parts of the script as root, and certain parts as my normal user.

I don't want to run the entire script as root, just the odd section.

I tried just using the su command, and then realised that I was now a totally different user and no longer executing my script.
Arse.

I realise su isn't the best idea, however for testing purposes, its fine.
Is there a way to do this?
Am I nuts for even thinking about using su in a script?

My second idea was to start another shell as root, however I'm not entirely sure
how to do that from a script.

Cheers in advance.
_________________
Pentium 4 3.2Ghz Prescott 1MB Cache
Abit IC7 (875P Chipset)
3GB Corsair Dual Channel DDR
Nvidia GeForce 6600GT
500GB (SATA2-ReiserFS) Main drive
500GB (PATA-ReiserFS) Media drive
120GB (PATA-NTFS) Legacy data
OS: SimplyMEPIS 8

MartyBartfast · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 9:09 am Post subject: RE: Bash Scripting Help

Sounds like you want to use sudo, e.g

sudo kill 1234

will kill off a process using root privs.

You need to add an entry to /etc/sudoers which defines which users can execute sudo, and which commands they can execute. e.g. you could specify in sudoers that user fred can only execute cp (e.g. if you want to copy protected files) but can't run any other commands.

man sudo
should give you all the info you need.
_________________
I have been touched by his noodly appendage.

nelz · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 9:39 am Post subject: RE: Bash Scripting Help

Yep, sudo is the way to go. You'll need to specify the full path to the commands that you want the user to be able to run, and tell sudo not to ask for a password for these commands. Otherwise it will stop the script to prompt for your password (not the root password). Here's a part of my /etc/sudoers file.

MGE · Posted: Wed Jan 25, 2006 11:39 am Post subject: RE: Bash Scripting Help

Thanks everyone, I had been trying sudo but hadn't set up the sudoers file correctly.

I'll give that a go.

Thanks again Smile

_________________
Pentium 4 3.2Ghz Prescott 1MB Cache
Abit IC7 (875P Chipset)
3GB Corsair Dual Channel DDR
Nvidia GeForce 6600GT
500GB (SATA2-ReiserFS) Main drive
500GB (PATA-ReiserFS) Media drive
120GB (PATA-NTFS) Legacy data
OS: SimplyMEPIS 8