Linux and Ubuntu...

[Cody Carey]

Ok, When I usually set up a debian install on a computer, the setup program prompts me for a Root users password, Then I can log onto root for administrative tasks and avoid Typing Sudo Into the Terminal all of the time.

I decided to see What all the hubub with Ubuntu 7 was, and installed it on a computer at my house. It never prompted me for a root pass, and even when I define one in the terminal window... The log-on screen says I cannot log on as admin Through the main logon window.

Thusly, I cannot install Wine or Any programs that don't have Package installers because I don't have privelages to modify anything in /usr/.

Any Idea on how to fix this?

[Ryan M.]

sudo still works in Ubuntu, it just uses your user password. The root account is disabled.

[Cody Carey]

Yes, it is... I am just wondering if there is any way to enable it so I don't have to use Sudo, and can maybe do some administration with the GUI.

Or maybe a more long lasting command than sudo, that I maybe don't know ?

[Mike]

Yes, it is... I am just wondering if there is any way to enable it so I don't have to use Sudo, and can maybe do some administration with the GUI.

Or maybe a more long lasting command than sudo, that I maybe don't know ?
su - root

[CraigHickman]

It's a little off topic, but I'm sure you'll find it quite a stress reliever whenever you get aggravated about something on Ubuntu... type into the terminal:

"apt-get moo"

I'm sure it will make you smile.

[gobeavs]

"sudo passwd root" then follow the instructions and you should have "su" available to you.

[Cuog]

you should be able to use sudo su to get as root in the shell, however if you go in and modify the users you can enable the root account and make it so that you can log in from the GUI at least in 6.10 I don't know about the new 7 version of ubuntu

[tdlrali]

If you want a root console, try sudo -i and enter your user password

If you really want to enable root, you can enable the root account by setting a password with
sudo passwd root
Then go to System -> Administration -> Login window
Go to the security tab and check:
allow local system administrator login

BTW, the disabled root account actually has a purpose. It is supposed to make your computer less vulnerable to attacks from the outside and the inside (hmm, i wonder what this command does ...)
also, everything can be achieved by using sudo

[cmptrgy412]

I'm not logged into linux right now, and a bit too lazy at the moment, but if you want to actually log in as root, somewhere in the properties, it has the option to allow root login... I'll look that up in a while and edit this post.


Yeah, it's under login window preferences.
System->Administration->Login Window
Click the security tab.
Click checkbox in allow local system administrator login.
Now you can login as root.

Just remember, you shouldn't use root as your default user and in fact should use sudo for installing packages, but this is just for reference.