How do I access root account in Mandrake 10?

dbz · 04-03-2004, 09:45 AM

Greetings,

I am an extreme newb when it comes to linux. Well I was able to get myself through it enough to get it installed onto a dual boot machine, set up some basics and get online to write to you all.

I am using Mandrake 10 (downloaded free version.). I am trying to install the new nvidia drivers for my vid card and it won't allow me to from my user account. How do I log onto the root account to do this?

Its always the simplist questions that are the hardest to search for heh

Thanks for your help!

dbz

profjohn · 04-03-2004, 09:55 AM

Open up a terminal emulator. It's likely to be in your main menu under system if you are running a gui. Type in su root and press return. It will prompt you for the superuser password. Passwords don't usually echo in terminal emulation. Press return, then you are root.

You could set up a gui for root, but it is not a great option.

dbz · 04-03-2004, 10:00 AM

Thanks a bunch. So easy it kills me ;P

profjohn · 04-03-2004, 10:03 AM

:-) Anything is easy if you know ho wto do it. Now you know. Pass it on...

ac1980 · 04-03-2004, 11:00 AM

Just an advice, since you said you're new to linux: when acting as root you can destroy your system with a simple typho. Always double-check what you do, and don't abuse the name of root if you can do something as normal user.