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{{Code|root}} is the most powerful user on a linux based computer system. It allows you to execute any command that is available to it. |
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It will even allow you to execute commands that are harmful to your system. For example, '''you could delete all of the contents of a folder, or important system files by accident.''' |
It will even allow you to execute commands that are harmful to your system. For example, '''you could delete all of the contents of a folder, or important system files by accident.''' |
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It is very important that you be careful when using the |
It is very important that you be careful when using the {{Code|root}} user. |
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The best option is to type {{Code|[[sudo]]}} ("super-user do... ") at the start of individual commands you want to run as root, for example {{Code|sudo rpm ''options}}. |
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You become root in the [[terminal]] activity, or in a [[Virtual Terminal]] like this: |
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== Becoming root == |
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su - |
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There are several ways to become the root user on an XO: |
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* at the [[Terminal Activity|terminal]] shell prompt type {{Code|su}} and press enter: |
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% su |
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# |
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* switch to the [[console]], where the shell is automatically root, |
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* use a [[Serial Adapters|serial port]], where the shell is automatically root. |
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== Checking root == |
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When the process is root, the shell prompt normally ends with {{Code|'''#'''}} rather than {{Code|'''$'''}}. This is the easiest way to check. Other ways are: |
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'''Note that the Root has been disabled for security purposes on the most recent releases. To enable it, you need to set a password for the root user. The the [[su]] page for more info. |
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* enter the command {{Code|who}} to check who is logged on. |
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* enter {{Code|whoami}} to check the effective userid rights of the active session, it will be 0 for root. |
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==See Also== |
==See Also== |
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* [[su]] The "su" command |
* [[su]] The "su" command |
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* [[sudo]] The "sudo" command |
* [[sudo]] The "sudo" command |
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[[Category:HowTo]] |
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Latest revision as of 07:34, 10 August 2013
root is the most powerful user on a linux based computer system. It allows you to execute any command that is available to it.
It will even allow you to execute commands that are harmful to your system. For example, you could delete all of the contents of a folder, or important system files by accident.
It is very important that you be careful when using the root user.
The best option is to type sudo ("super-user do... ") at the start of individual commands you want to run as root, for example sudo rpm options.
Becoming root
There are several ways to become the root user on an XO:
- at the terminal shell prompt type su and press enter:
% su #
- switch to the console, where the shell is automatically root,
- use a serial port, where the shell is automatically root.
Checking root
When the process is root, the shell prompt normally ends with # rather than $. This is the easiest way to check. Other ways are:
- enter the command who to check who is logged on.
- enter whoami to check the effective userid rights of the active session, it will be 0 for root.