[ILUG] VIM Command

[Thomas Rooney]

On 1 Dec 2008, at 18:47, Conor Mac Aoidh wrote:

> Hi,
>
> This is my first time sending an ilug email. I am pretty much a  
> complete
> newbe to linux. I just had a question as to using the VIM command. I  
> am
> trying to use this to create a new file in a new directory. It keeps
> returning the error "E212: Can't open file for writing" and after  
> googleing
> the error it turns out that I do not have enough privilages to do  
> what I
> want to do. I am logged in as root. Does anyone know how I can get the
> privileges that I need? Or can anyone recommend another method of  
> achieving
> what I want do do - as i'm not sure if VIM should even be used for  
> this
> purpose!
>
> Thanks
>
> -- 
> Conor
>
Hi Conor

I suspect you may need to use the SUDO command or SU to root as the  
file you
are editing might belong to the super user....root

Try this

sudo vim /path/to/the/file

or

su root
vim /path/to/the/file

You will be asked for your root password. When your finished editing  
the file
save it and quit vim and then type

exit

to return to your user shell.

VIM is a tough program to get into but nearly all linux distros has it  
installed.
So if you learn it you can edit files on most systems, very handy!   
But if you
will only be looking after your computer then maybe something like  
nano would
be better suited to your needs!
I hope this helps you.
Tom

ps enjoy reinstalling your system......