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-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 permanently become the root user on an XO:

• In later versions of the Terminal Activity you can become "root" by clicking the icon in the toolbar at the top of the screen.
• In builds earlier than 703 you may need to instead enter su -l in the Terminal Activity.
• In the 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 $.

• Enter the command who to check who is logged on.
• Enter whoami to check the effective userid rights of the active session.

See Also

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