switching between user and root without logging out
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You should be able to switch to root at a terminal using the 'su -' command, and then entering the root password. You can drop back down to your normal user by typing "exit" at the same terminal.
Please do not run programs as root unless you absolutely need to (for instance, a lot of people only burn cds as root). Create a sudo file (search it on this site) that limits the access to vital resources to make your computer less susceptible to hackers, should they get access to your account.
Exactly - Sudo is your friend.
The idea is "do as SU", to allow you to work as superuser. Also, you can give the user privileges for certain functions, even if they don't get "the full admin package". You should install it and edit the sudoers file for this.
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