Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!mcsun!ukc!icdoc!qmw-cs!numb
From: numb@cs.qmw.ac.uk (Matthew Newman)
Newsgroups: comp.unix.aux
Subject: Re: Questions about su and high-density discs
Summary: setcompat problems
Keywords: setcompat,/dev/tty
Message-ID: <1729@sequent.cs.qmw.ac.uk>
Date: 2 Mar 90 10:26:14 GMT
References: <2301@syma.sussex.ac.uk>
Reply-To: numb@cs.qmc.ac.uk (Matthew Newman)
Distribution: comp.unix.aux
Organization: Computer Science Dept, Queen Mary and Westfield College, U of London, UK.
Lines: 21

The problem with su  just returning, saying sorry, is due to various problems
with the setcompat syscall in A/UX.

Basically when su runs it can't open /dev/tty, this is due to the shell not
running in the proper setcompat modes.

We run tcsh here, and now have no problems, but it was hell for a while.
The setcompat stuff is both confusing and DANGEROUS. Do not ever use the
COMPAT_EXEC option unless you are absolutely sure that you want the rest of
the world to work under you compat modes.

If you require further info please mail me directly.
-- 
Matthew Simon Philip Newman
UUCP:      numb@qmw-cs.uucp                     | Computer Science Dept
ARPA:      numb%cs.qmw.ac.uk@nsfnet-relay.ac.uk | Queen Mary & Westfield College
JANET:     numb@uk.ac.qmw.cs                    | Mile End Road
Voice:     +44 1 975 5233 (Direct Dial)         | London E1 4NS

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