How to use the command 'steamos-readonly' (with examples)

The steamos-readonly command is designed for managing the read-only status of the filesystem on SteamOS. This particular command is crucial in scenarios where you may need to switch between a read-only filesystem — ensuring stability and protection against unintended changes — and a mutable filesystem, which allows users to make necessary modifications or updates. Changing the filesystem status can be instrumental in both maintaining the integrity of system files and allowing flexibility for user needs or updates.

Use case 1: Set the filesystem to be mutable

Code:

sudo steamos-readonly disable

Motivation for using this example:

There are times when a system administrator or a user might want to make updates to the system by installing new software, applying system updates, or changing configuration files that reside on a read-only partition. In such cases, the filesystem must be set to a mutable state to allow these changes. Switching the filesystem from read-only to mutable enables users to perform these actions, which is essential for maintaining a system that needs frequent updates or custom configuration changes. Therefore, this example is crucial for users who need flexibility and control over their SteamOS system.

Explanation for every argument given in the command:

• sudo: This argument is required to execute commands with elevated privileges. Since changing the filesystem’s status impacts the entire operating system, administrative rights are needed.

• steamos-readonly: This is the command used to control the read-only status of the SteamOS filesystem.

• disable: This argument specifies that the read-only status should be disabled, thereby making the filesystem writable (mutable).

Example output:

After running the command, you might not see any output indicating success. Instead, feedback is usually in the form of the filesystem becoming writable, where subsequent commands to modify system files will no longer return errors related to write protection.

Use case 2: Set the filesystem to be read only

Code:

sudo steamos-readonly enable

Motivation for using this example:

When a system is being prepared for deployment or a stable version of software is achieved, setting the filesystem back to read-only is essential. Doing so protects the integrity of the system by preventing unauthorized or accidental changes. It can be particularly useful for public installations, such as kiosks or gaming centers, where multiple users have access and the risk of unintended modifications is high. This setup allows for peace of mind, knowing that the system configuration cannot be easily altered.

Explanation for every argument given in the command:

• sudo: Similar to the previous example, this argument is necessary to ensure the command is run with the required administrative privileges necessary to alter the file system’s status.

• steamos-readonly: This command controls the read-only status of the filesystem in SteamOS.

• enable: This argument indicates that the read-only status should be turned on, thus preventing any alterations to the filesystem.

Example output:

Like the previous use case, successfully executing this command may not produce visible output. The filesystem state becomes read-only, so any attempt to make changes will result in errors indicating that write operations are not permitted.

Conclusion:

Understanding how to toggle the read-only status of a filesystem on SteamOS is a fundamental skill for users managing systems with this operating system. The commands sudo steamos-readonly disable and sudo steamos-readonly enable play vital roles in controlling the mutability of the system files, allowing users the ability to toggle between a flexible and protected system environment. These commands ensure that modifications can be made when necessary, and provide a way to secure the system against unintended changes, thereby balancing usability with stability.