Check root mail

**adamherb** · 07-21-2005, 09:15 PM

When I go into virtual terminal 3 Ctrl+Alt+F3 and log in as root, then I get a message that says root has new mail. How do I check it. Also, I think what the mail is is a log of the sudo use. When I am logged in as a regular user and then try to use sudo, it says I'm not in the sudoers file and its reporting me. How do I make it so that I can use sudo on a hardrive install?

Also What is the command to delete a directory ever if there is something in it?

**UnderScore** · 07-21-2005, 09:36 PM

When I go into virtual terminal 3 Ctrl+Alt+F3 and log in as root, then I get a message that says root has new mail. How do I check it.

You should be able to use the command 'mail'. If the system has console mailer like pine you can use that too.

Also What is the command to delete a directory ever if there is something in it?

Can be a dangerous command. Use sparingly.

Code:

rm -rf /path/to/directory

**adamherb** · 07-21-2005, 10:25 PM

Is pine in the GUI also?

And when it says mail does it mean just that computer?

Also, is there a way that I can make it so that my normal user can use sudo?

**Radix** · 07-29-2005, 03:20 PM

If I recall correctly, pine work only in the terminal. Yes, the mail is only for that computer. (It's a log of everything that happens on THAT computer.) In order to be able to use "sudo", you will need to edit a file called "sudoers" in the /etc/ directory as root, I believe. (Memory isn't too good about that). Just do a "man sudoers" at a terminal for more information on how to edit your log. One more thing, DO NOT GRANT YOURSELF ROOT PRIVILAGES.

root = ALL(ALL) // okay
username = ALL(ALL) // NOT OKAY.

If anyone else wants to correct me, feel free.

Let us know how it goes,

Radix