Su subsitutes a new user identity on top of the current one. The syntax of su is simple: su [ username ] Usually, su is used to substitute a new user identity for the purpose of accessing files or programs owned by that user. For instance, % su cs456t5 might be used to substitute the cs456 term 5 user identity to work on a team report. If the user whose identity you are trying to assume has a password, su will insist on you typing this password correctly before granting you the new identity. When given no parameters, su assumes you wish to substitute the "root" user identity. Root wields all system privileges and powers. The command % su is therefore used only by system staff. To exit from the shell created by su, type the command `exit'. % su cs456t7 Password: ... 456> vi report.nroff 456> nroff -me report.nroff | lpr 456> exit %