Running X apps as root

By default, and for security reasons, root will be unable to connect to a non-root user's X server. There are multiple ways of allowing root to do so, if it is necessary.

The most secure methods

The most secure methods are simple. They include:

• kdesu (included with KDE)

$ kdesu name-of-app

• gksu (included with GNOME)

$ gksu name-of-app

• bashrun (in community)

$ bashrun --su name-of-app

• sudo (must be installed and properly configured with visudo)

$ sudo name-of-app

• sux (wrapper around su which will transfer your X credentials)

$ sux root name-of-app

These are the preferred methods, because they automatically exit when the application exits, negating any security risks quite completely.

Alternate methods

These methods will allow root to connect to a non-root user's X server, but present varying levels of security risks, especially if you run ssh. If you are behind a firewall, you may consider them to be safe enough for your requirements.

• Temporarily allow root access

• xhost

$ xhost +

will temporarily allow root, or anyone to connect your X server. Likewise,

$ xhost -

will disallow this function afterward.

Some users also use:

$ xhost + localhost

(Your X server must be configured to listen to TCP connections for xhost + localhost to work).

• Permanently allow root access

• Globally in /etc/profile

Add the following to /etc/profile

export XAUTHORITY=/home/non-root-usersname/.Xauthority

This will permanently allow root to connect to a non-root user's X server.

Or, merely specify a particular app:

export XAUTHORITY=/home/usersname/.Xauthority kwrite

(to allow root to access kwrite, for instance.)