You normally switch between shells to gain extra functionality; each shell is having it’s own flavor; so if you do decide to change your shell you must be very careful otherwise it may cause you a lot of hassle.

Before switching to new shell please check if it is present in /etc/shells, if this file does not exist, get it added by your administrator with required shell script.

A normal user may only change the login shell for her own account, the super user i.e. root user may change the login shell for any account.

Procedure :

For changing your shell you use a command “ chsh ” which will change your shell.

Syntax ;

chsh -s {shell-name} {user-name}
here -s {shell-name} : Specify your login shell name (full path of the shell you want to use )
{user-name} : It is optional, useful if you are a root user.

You will have to provide password when prompted and your shell will get changed. Remember you new shell will get activated next time you log in. Executing the chsh command will not change the shell you are currently running.

eg ;

*) You have root access and you want to change the shell of user kim to /usr/bin/ksh,
you will fire the command as ;
chsh /usr/bin/ksh kim.