Move copy delete files protected directory Linux GUI
Until now, the only way I knew to move, copy, delete, or edit files or directories in Linux that were in protected directories was by using the terminal and typing sudo (for super user) before the file management commands. I am running Ubuntu Hardy Heron. If you have many files to move, this isn’t bad once the exact phrases are worked out, but after not needing them for a while I forget and they are just enough different than the old DOS commands to cause me grief. Then I found a great time saving trick (especially for Linux newbies) that provides a GUI (graphical user interface) file manager for protected files:
sudo nautilus
Open a terminal and type “sudo nautilus”. Copying, moving, deleting, or editing files in a protected directory requires the root user password. Starting nautilus from the terminal with the sudo command asks for the root user password, then opens Nautilus in the root directory. You now have the normal file management GUI but it has super user authority. I find I am less likely to make mistakes this way, as I’ve become used to the file manager GUI in Linux.
I find the terminal a great part of Linux that lets you accomplish things a bit out of the ordinary. Without it, you are limited to the capabilities built into the GUI. In this case, you are limited to normal user authority using Nautilus. This is a good thing, as it prevents you from accidentally altering protected files. But when you are sure you want to work in the protected area, it can be launched from the terminal with sudo authority.
- the MuseTags: Linux
