A user can switch to a different user without having to log out or end the current session.
GENOME Switcher Tool
A GENOME applet appears on the panel as the currently logged in user. Left-click on it lists the other users, and the check next to each show users logged-in and running. To switch users select from the list, the GDM login manager would appear to enter the user's password. The user's original session would continue with the same open window and applications running; thus, the initial-session retained. When a user switches, the currently running program continues in the background.
When Right-clicking the switcher, it lists user management items like configuring the user-screen, managing users, or changing passwords or personal information. The Preferences item allows setting how the user-switch displayed in the panel, as of the user's name or user icon. A user screen lock can be disabled to switch between logged-in users seamlessly.
Use System -> Preferences -> Personal: To save current sessions or have all sessions saved automatically. The previous session restored when user log-in.
KDE Switch User Entry
Displays the user's list to select to start a different session, hiding or choosing the current lock session. Use Ctrl + Alt + F7 to switch among users.
Through Command Line Interface
Applications -> System Tools -> Terminal
At login prompt, the system waits for the user to provide username and password. The password does not appear on the screen for security reasons. If there is a mismatch, the system responds with an error message “Login Incorrect” and again asks for the login credentials. Once the user enters the system, the command prompt dollar (for regular users) or # (for the root user) waits for the user to enter the commands.
Linux commands make extensive use of options and arguments, although they may or may not be optional, depending upon command.
Option – a one-line code preceded by one or two hyphens to modify the type of action the command takes
Argument – a data a command needed to execute its task. Its entered as a word after any options.
- $ exit: To end command prompt session
- $ halt or $ shutdown -h: to log out and shut down the system
- $ shutdown -r or Ctrl + Alt + Del: to reboot the system
- su –: login as root user by default
- su without a username: To become the superuser.
- su – <user-name> or su -l <user-name> or su –login <user-name>: login normally to particular user
