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Old 08-16-2010, 10:04 AM   #1
jaber_6010
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Smile Defining a root on a just installed ubunt netbook edition


Hi everybody!
I just installed an ubuntu netbook edition on my notebook. In the installation process I defined a user with a password. I can use that password to access many system tools, like the synaptic package manager, adding users and so on..

However, when I wanted to do some staff in a terminal as a superuser (using the su command), and I enter my password (There is only a single user and a single password so far) I get authentification failure.

I went to System-->Administration-->uers and groups . I changed the my account type to an "Administrator" (for that I used again my password). hoping that I can use the su command but still it did not work..

I feel that the superuser needs to be set or defined. Since I have not done that then whatever pass word I enter after the command su I will always get "authentification failure"

How can I define the superuser and tell the system that I am the superuser of this computer?
 
Old 08-16-2010, 10:09 AM   #2
sem007
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if you want to run any command as super user you can use sudo command.

Code:
sudo command
if you want to set root password

Code:
sudo /usr/bin/passwd root
HTH
 
Old 08-16-2010, 10:15 AM   #3
jaber_6010
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yes it worked
thanks sem007!!
 
Old 08-16-2010, 10:23 AM   #4
snowday
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There is nothing wrong with enabling root password in Ubuntu however keep in mind that all of the official documentation and the support forums assume that you're using 'sudo' instead. So if you are following Ubuntu tutorials you'll need to adjust the commands accordingly.

More info here: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/RootSudo
 
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Old 08-16-2010, 10:52 AM   #5
sem007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jaber_6010 View Post
yes it worked
thanks sem007!!
If you are happy with solution please mark thread as "SOLVED" from thread tool

Regards,
 
Old 08-16-2010, 10:57 AM   #6
jaber_6010
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Thanks for the tip sem007
I just marked it indeed as solved
 
Old 08-16-2010, 11:10 AM   #7
jaber_6010
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Thanks Snowpine
I found the link very instructive
I initially activated the root account and then after reading through the link and understanding that I can do almost anything with sudo command I disabled again
 
Old 08-16-2010, 03:09 PM   #8
Rambo_Tribble
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While it is generally frowned upon, a kludge for maintaining a login as root at the console is to use "sudo su" to take on the root identity. You will then be provided with a # prompt in place of the $ prompt. While it can save some typing, just be darn sure to exit from the root login when you finish your tasks.
 
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Old 08-16-2010, 03:32 PM   #9
snowday
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rambo_Tribble View Post
While it is generally frowned upon, a kludge for maintaining a login as root at the console is to use "sudo su" to take on the root identity. You will then be provided with a # prompt in place of the $ prompt. While it can save some typing, just be darn sure to exit from the root login when you finish your tasks.
Please read the link in post #4. 'sudo su' is deprecated in Ubuntu. To quote:

Quote:
None of the methods below are suggested or supported by the designers of Ubuntu.

Please do not suggest this to others unless you personally are available 24/7 to support the user if they have issues as a result of running a shell as root.
 
Old 08-16-2010, 03:32 PM   #10
Kenny_Strawn
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rambo_Tribble View Post
While it is generally frowned upon, a kludge for maintaining a login as root at the console is to use "sudo su" to take on the root identity. You will then be provided with a # prompt in place of the $ prompt. While it can save some typing, just be darn sure to exit from the root login when you finish your tasks.
Just so you know, 'sudo bash' is very similar to 'sudo su' or 'sudo -s' or 'sudo -i': you essentially are running the shell as root. However, this won't work for X.

If you want to enable the root account and run X as root:

Code:
sudo passwd
Then just enter your new root password and you're all set!

BE WARNED, though: When you run anything as root you run the risk of causing damage to ALL your files, not just those within your home directory. And running X as root is no different: if you run Nautilus as root, for instance, and accidentally right-click '/' and click "Delete", you might as well kiss your system goodbye.
 
Old 08-16-2010, 04:33 PM   #11
snowday
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There is no reason to log into an X session (GUI) as root, ever.

If you would like to run a single application as root in Ubuntu, you may do so with 'gksudo' (or 'gksu' for short works too). For example to launch the file manager as root:

Code:
gksudo nautilus
 
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Old 08-16-2010, 04:43 PM   #12
Kenny_Strawn
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Quote:
Originally Posted by snowpine View Post
There is no reason to log into an X session (GUI) as root, ever.

If you would like to run a single application as root in Ubuntu, you may do so with 'gksudo' (or 'gksu' for short works too). For example to launch the file manager as root:

Code:
gksudo nautilus
Yes - but then you're prompted with a UAC-like window.
 
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Old 08-16-2010, 04:43 PM   #13
Rambo_Tribble
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Don't forget the Kubuntu users and kdesudo.
 
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Old 08-16-2010, 04:50 PM   #14
snowday
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenny_Strawn View Post
Yes - but then you're prompted with a UAC-like window.
Which is bad why?

Anyway, read the link in post #4. The OP did and then marked the thread Solved, so maybe it will answer your questions too.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rambo_Tribble View Post
Don't forget the Kubuntu users and kdesudo.
I did not "forget" kdesu; it is in fact specifically mentioned in the link in post #4. The purpose of linking to documentation is so we don't have to mention every last detail of a complicated topic every time we make a forum post.

Last edited by snowday; 08-16-2010 at 04:52 PM.
 
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Old 08-16-2010, 05:50 PM   #15
Rambo_Tribble
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If you specifically mention gksudo it is only politic to, in the same breath, mention kdesudo. Manners, you see. But, then I guess that might be too much to ask.
 
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