skill skill -option(s) -L --- list the various signals that can be sent -u --- specify a username; this is obviously followed by the user name or a space-seperated list of usernames. -p --- process id (followed by the process id) -c --- command name (this is the same as killall) -t --- (tty number) -v --- verbose mode -i --- interactive mode. skill can be used to stop, continue, or kill processes using the username, command name or process id (or send them any variety of signals you like). Useful example: skill -STOP abusive_user_name The above command will stop all of that users processes, this will cause his screen to freeze until you type: skill -CONT abusive_user_name This would tell that all processes may continue as before. Note that this would only work if you are root. Also note you can list more than one user name with the command so it will apply to multiple users.