SU(1)

NAME
su - temporarily log in as superuser or another user

SYNOPSIS
su [name]

EXAMPLES

DESCRIPTION

Su can be used to temporarily login as another user. It prompts for the superuser password. If the correct password is entered, su creates a shell with the desired uid. If no name is specified, root is assumed. To exit the temporary shell, type CTRL-D. When memory is tight, it is better to become superuser by logging out and then logging in again as root, rather than using su since the latter creates an extra shell in memory. Any user with a zero group id need not type a password. This makes life easier for the system administrator.

SEE ALSO
login(1).