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How to move a file to root?

Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 4:57 pm
by sojourner
Hello everyone

Just got Ubuntu 7.1 installed yesterday (T41, multi-boot w/Windows). It's my first real experience with Linux, and glad I made the move.

There seems to be a rather large learning curve however, so there are many things I do not know how to do, like moving a file (splash-image for grub) to /GRUB. Being it is a root folder it will not allow me to add a file. :(

Would someone please explain, in simple terms, how to move a file from the desktop to /GRUB?

BTW, gotta say, the developers with ubuntu did one great job! It is truly amazing how well featured and functional this software is right out of the box. Wireless (except for antenna LED), networking, trackpoint, you name it and most everything works. :)

Posted: Sun Dec 02, 2007 5:53 pm
by John H
The easiest way is to go to a 'terminal' session and type in this command:

Code: Select all

sudo nautilus
This will bring up the file browser 'nautilus' in superuser mode (as 'root') which will allow you to make file copies you would not otherwise be able to make. What I usually do is bring up two CLIs and then 2 nautilus sessions (nautili sessions?), get them each positioned to the source directory (I position this at the lower right of the screen) and the destination directory (I usually position at the upper left), then you can either copy with the mouse (just like Windows!) or you can highlight the source file and do 'ctl-C', change focus to the destination directory and do 'ctl-V' (just like Windows! Aint it wonderful?).

In the case that you want to do something to a 'hidden' file, just hit 'ctl-H' and the nautilus will display all the hidden files and directories, too.

Just remember, CLI is your friend.

Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 1:49 pm
by sojourner
Thanks a lot John!

Your post helped with enough information so I was able to move GRUB splash files into a root directory. Now, GRUB looks sooo much better. Found a 'space' splash which adds just the right touch!

Couple of more questions if I may?
Being new to Linux (2 days), there is a lot needed to be learned. Your post mentioned CLI's, was wondering what they are!
I also read you open TWO session of nautilus. My setup would not allow that (at least I couldn't figure how to do it).

What I did to open nautilus was click (doing this from memory), accessories, something, terminal window; from terminal window entered code. Is there another better, faster way to open something which accepts command line entries? BTW, I know of ALT-F2 but it seems a terminal windows allows more.

Lastly, because there are a million questions, would you be able to recommend a newsgroup and/or forum where there is good activity from knowledgeable users who would answer questions on ubuntu? (would really like a newsgroup which I can access from OE)

Thanks!

Posted: Mon Dec 03, 2007 4:57 pm
by whizkid
CLI = command line interface. Run the program called terminal.

Then you could just type "sudo cp myfile /grub/file" to copy the file as the root user.

Ubuntu has a HUGE community: http://www.ubuntu.com/support/communitysupport

IRC can be very helpful, but also very hectic. Ubuntu has forums too, and mailing lists. Details for all are on that page or one click away.