Root

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-use do... ") at the start of individual commands you want to run as root, for example sudo rpm options. But sudo is not available in early releases such as build 650 ("ship.1", release 7.1.0).

Becoming root

There are several ways to permanently become the root user on an XO:

• In later versions of the Terminal Activity you can become "root" by clicking the "#_" icon at the top of the terminal screen.
• In builds earlier than 703 you may need to instead enter su -l in the Terminal Activity.
• In the Virtual terminal console you can login as root. In later builds this happens automatically when you press Enter; in earlier builds, press enter and when prompted to "Login:", enter root

The root user's prompt in a terminal normally ends with # rather than $. You can enter the command who to check who you are.

See Also

• su The "su" command
• sudo The "sudo" command