On Sun, Dec 05, 2010 at 07:58:34PM +0100, MERIGHI Marcus wrote:

quoted text
> When I use ``login -f $USER'' in default shell I am prompted for
> ``Password:''. What am I getting wrong about login(1) saying:
> 
> -f      The -f option is used when a user name is specified to indicate
>         that proper authentication has already been done and that no
>         password need be requested.  This option may only be used by the
>         superuser or when an already logged in user is logging in as
>         themselves.
> 
> (It works as expected when run as root or with sudo, though)
> 
> Please hit me with the clue stick!
> 
> Bye, 
> Marcus

You fall into the "Note that if login is invoked by a non-root user,
it will execute su(1) in login emulation mode instead." case.

I believe this is a documentation error.

	-Otto