I am running Ubuntu 12.04 64-bit version, and a I want to move files and make changes in directories owned by root and other logins I have for myself. I do not like to use the terminal environment, and have to encounter all the lost time when I just want to do what I used to be able to do. I just want to have root as GUI user option with full root powers. I know this is heresy, but I don't think I am the only one who wants this type of flexibility. Can it be done and how do I do it?

John

There is never a good reason to run the whole system as root. Just use or whatever file-manager you prefer to move files not owned by you.

Use:
Enter a root password. Retype it. Now you will be able to login as root.

'Flexibility' is one term for it....an accident waiting to happen is another. This is a VERY BAD IDEA for lots of reasons, which is why it's disabled by default. Changing the root password, then clicking on the 'Other' account on the GUI login screen, will let you enter the user name/password you want.

Even using Nautilus as root is a bad idea...bear in mind that accidentally selecting a folder (say, /bin or /etc), is easy, and deleting it is easy too. Since you're root, it's gone..the system will assume you KNOW you want to do it, and not confirm. Root should be used sparingly, if at all. Setting up your users in groups, and setting group read/write permissions accordingly will let you do it WITHOUT being root.

this is one of the reasons that i suggest to people to login as root
ONE TIME ONLY and OLLY ONE TIME !!!
to set the root GUI theme to something that IS HIDEOUS, god offally NASTY .
so "painful " to look at that you use
as little as possible

looking at the "high-contrast " or a "nauseating -headache " theme
will notify you VERY QUICKLY that you launched it AS root

this way if you launch kate or gedit or emacs AS ROOT
you KNOW IT !!!!!!!!