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Old 09-05-2009, 09:30 AM   #1
ler0nldb2
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Registered: Aug 2009
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How to force log on at boot


For the first time, when I boot my pc, Ubuntu asked me to set up user name and password. Now every time I boot my pc, Ubuntu bypasses the login and takes me right to the desktop.

This is scary if my pc is lost. The exposure of my data to strangers would be devastating.

I am the only user of this pc. How can I:

1. Force login at boot time
2. Set up as super user

Thanks.
 
Old 09-05-2009, 09:38 AM   #2
colucix
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1. You can disable automatic login from System --> Administration --> Login Window --> tab Security and uncheck the "Enable Automatic Login" check-box.

2. There are valid reasons why Ubuntu developers did not permit root login. I admit it is really annoying to digit your password every time you use sudo for administrative commands, but take in mind that you can stick with your system administrator's privileges for an entire shell session if you use the command:
Code:
sudo -i
every subsequent command will be run as if it was preceded by sudo and you have not to type your password again and again.
 
Old 09-05-2009, 10:17 AM   #3
j_jerry
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Eventhough not recommended you can login as root from gnome login screen with the command 'gdmsetup' .

Type command gdmsetup , in the Security tab check 'Allow Administrator Login'
 
Old 09-05-2009, 10:24 AM   #4
ler0nldb2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by colucix View Post
1. You can disable automatic login from System --> Administration --> Login Window --> tab Security and uncheck the "Enable Automatic Login" check-box.

2. There are valid reasons why Ubuntu developers did not permit root login. I admit it is really annoying to digit your password every time you use sudo for administrative commands, but take in mind that you can stick with your system administrator's privileges for an entire shell session if you use the command:
Code:
sudo -i
every subsequent command will be run as if it was preceded by sudo and you have not to type your password again and again.
I found my check box under the general tab and unchecked it. Shutdown and was forced to log in. Just as I expected.

Thank you!
 
Old 09-05-2009, 10:54 AM   #5
Wim Sturkenboom
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Registered: Jan 2005
Location: Roodepoort, South Africa
Distribution: Ubuntu 12.04, Antix19.3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ler0nldb2 View Post
... This is scary if my pc is lost. The exposure of my data to strangers would be devastating. ...
You must be joking. Your password will NOT protect your data. About everybody can get to the data if they have physical access to it.

If that is your big worry, have a look at encrypting your files and/or filesystem.
 
Old 09-05-2009, 11:19 AM   #6
ler0nldb2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wim Sturkenboom View Post
You must be joking. Your password will NOT protect your data. About everybody can get to the data if they have physical access to it.

If that is your big worry, have a look at encrypting your files and/or filesystem.
Yes. Data is my biggest worry! And I thought login would take care of it (NOT)
Is there a script that will automatically encrypt my folders/files during the shutdown process and another to decrypt them during the login? Or do I have to remember to encrypt my folders/files every time before shutdown and decrypt them after login, as I have been doing with Windows?

Thanks
 
Old 09-05-2009, 12:37 PM   #7
Wim Sturkenboom
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Other people can advise on filesystem encryption; I'm not familiar with it on Linux.

Under Windows there are programs that create virtual encrypted disks; PGP is an example. You mount the disk when you want to use it and it will automatically unmount when you shutdown. No need to use your 'complicated' way.

I did a quick search and truecrypt uses the above virtual encrypted disk principle as well and is available for both Windows and Linux.
 
Old 09-05-2009, 01:36 PM   #8
ler0nldb2
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Registered: Aug 2009
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wim Sturkenboom View Post
Other people can advise on filesystem encryption; I'm not familiar with it on Linux.

Under Windows there are programs that create virtual encrypted disks; PGP is an example. You mount the disk when you want to use it and it will automatically unmount when you shutdown. No need to use your 'complicated' way.

I did a quick search and truecrypt uses the above virtual encrypted disk principle as well and is available for both Windows and Linux.
Thanks for the suggestions. I found a link in the Ubuntu forum about PGP, Truecrypt and EncryptFS here. EncryptFS seems to be what I am looking for.
 
  


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