In /root/.bashrc I prefixed '#' thus: #alias rm='rm -i' Now it's just fine. I can do rm - r and wipe out my entire system! I should have figured this out myself, but I was distracted by /etc/bashrc. It's a lot more complex then /root/.bashrc Anyway, the problem forced me to learn that Natualis can be useful. Thanks to you all for the help!