--- name: "viewsu" section: "1" platform: "linux" package: "umview" version: "0.8.2-3" release: "Debian 12 (Bookworm)" platforms: ["linux"] url: "https://new.carta.tech/viewsu" --- # viewsu(1) change (virtual) user ID or become (virtual) superuser ## NAME viewsu - change (virtual) user ID or become (virtual) superuser ## SYNOPSIS **viewsu** \[*options*\] \[*username*\] ## DESCRIPTION The **viewsu** command is used to become another user during a login session. Invoked without a **username**, **viewsu** defaults to becoming the superuser. The optional argument **-** may be used to provide an environment similar to what the user would expect had the user logged in directly. This command is the View-OS counterpart of the [su(1)](/su/1.md) command. The value of **$PATH** is reset to /bin:/usr/bin for normal users, or /sbin:/bin:/usr/sbin:/usr/bin for the superuser. This may be changed with the *ENV\_PATH* and *ENV\_SUPATH* definitions in /etc/login.defs. ## OPTIONS The options which apply to the **viewsu** command are: - **-c**, **--command** *COMMAND* Specify a command that will be invoked by the shell using its **-c**. - **-**, **-l**, **--login** Provide an environment similar to what the user would expect had the user logged in directly. When **-** is used, it must be specified as the last **viewsu** option. The other forms (**-l** and **--login**) do not have this restriction. - **-s**, **--shell** *SHELL* The shell that will be invoked. The invoked shell is chosen from (highest priority first): • The shell specified with --shell. • The shell indicated in the /etc/passwd entry for the target user. • /bin/sh if a shell could not be found by any above method. ## SEE ALSO **[su(1)](/su/1.md),** **linux.defs(5)** ## AUTHORS View-OS is a project of the Computer Science Department, University of Bologna. Project Leader: Renzo Davoli.\ \ Howto's and further information can be found on the project wiki \. ## NOTE Most part of the text is taken from [su(1)](/su/1.md).