User Privileges

Debian Xfce

User Privileges

User privileges determine what each user is able to do when using the computer. For example, in some situations users may be able to connect to the internet and configure printers. In other situations, these things are done by the system administrator, and ordinary users do not have those privileges.

Find Out User Privileges

To see what privileges each user has, open the file /etc/group. In this file you will see a list of groups. Each user's name will appear following certain groups. Users privileges are determined by which groups they belong to.

Examples of Groups

Following are examples of groups, and the priveleges users have when belonging to those groups.

adm	Monitor system logs
audio	Use audio devices
cdrom	Use CD-ROM drives
dialout	Use modems
dip	Connect to the Internet using a modem
fax	Send and receive faxes
lpadmin	Configure printers
netdev	Connect to wireless and ethernet networks
plugdev	Access external storage devices automatically
scanner	Use scanners
video	Capture video from TV or Webcams, and use 3d acceleration

Add User to Group

To add a user to a group, open the Root Terminal, and type:

gpasswd -a (user) (group)

Enter the user's name and group as appropriate.

Remove User from Group

To remove a user from a group, open the Root Terminal, and type:

gpasswd -d (user) (group)

Gnome System Tools

If you prefer a graphical interface, to view and modify user privileges, you can use Gnome System Tools.

Gnome System Tools include a number of tools to make computer administration easy. Examples include:

Synaptic Package Manager for installing additional programs.

Users and Groups to view and modify user privileges.

Gnome Mount which automatically mounts CDs, DVDs and USB drives.

There are also several others.

To install Gnome System Tools, open the Root Terminal and type:

apt-get install gnome-system-tools

Some programs will work immediately when installed. With others, you need to turn the computer off and restart, before they work.

View or Modify User Privileges

To view or modify user privileges, open Users and Groups. It is in the menu under System -> Users and Groups. You need to enter the root password.

Click on the user's name.

Click "Properties."

Click on the tab, "User privileges."

You will see the user's privileges.

To change privileges, click in the square preceeding any items you want to change, to add or remove the tick from the square.

When set as required, click "OK."

You may change the privileges of another user, or click "Close."

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