Using Root

ITSFREE · 02-25-2006, 12:08 PM

Is there anyway to change the root permissions so I dont have to type in my password every time to make changes or install programs. This is annoying since I'm the only one that uses this computer.

anti.corp · 02-25-2006, 12:23 PM

What distribution are you using?

The only root permission is there for your safety. Also in case your system gets hacked or anything. It is really uncool to leave your system running with all root permissions wide open, and it is in no way recommended!
I bet its also one of the reasons why linux lasts longer on your harddrive

Anyway: most of the time you wont do things that needs root access on your pc, so the 'su' typing cant be that much of a pain or? (just curious)

Sincerely, Jørgen

ITSFREE · 02-25-2006, 12:46 PM

I'm using Suse 10 and trying to get things set up. Many of the programs need extra componets added to them before they will work properly and all rpm's I'm installing can make it a pain at times. Once I get thins tuned in I won't be needing root acess as much. I can't get use to all of the different options and settings Linux has to offer and windows won't let you do much at all to customize your Desktop and Programs. It's frustrating at times but after you tinker around and get it working... WOW!!! It' pretty cool.

Brian1 · 02-25-2006, 01:41 PM

If using KDE there is a link in the Start Menu > System Tools > File Manager (super user).
This opens a konquorer window with root access then if you need a terminal just right click and select Actions > Open terminal here.

Another way is to add yourself to the wheel group. Then edit /etc/sudoers file. You have to use the command ' visudo ' to edit this file. Also requires root access. Once open add the line like this or uncomment if it exist. It uses the vi editor which is one of the best around but may be difficult for beginners. To change default editor run command ' export EDITOR = nedit ' or your favorite editor.

Code:

# Uncomment to allow people in group wheel to run all commands
%wheel        ALL=(ALL)       ALL

Or to use it commands without password. do this.

Code:

# Same thing without a password ( not the secures way but the only user)
%wheel        ALL=(ALL)       NOPASSWD: ALL

Now to run a command as root in use a command like ' sudo make install ' or ' sudo rpm -ivh *.rpm '. The first one still requires a password the second one does not.

Login as user
Open a terminal
su -
export EDITOR = nedit
visudo
add line

Code:

 %wheel        ALL=(ALL)       NOPASSWD: ALL

save and exit
add yourself to the wheel group ' groupadd -g wheel username ' Replace username with your username.
Now just add sudo before the commands that require root usage.

Brian1