Root Login Setup

[LaneLester]

I wish to have root login as an option, and I followed this advice on another thread:

Edit /etc/kde3/kdm/kdmrc .Change the line AllowRootLogin=false to
AllowRootLogin=true

But the login still refuses to allow root. What more should I do?

Lane

[kubicle]

Re: Root Login Setup

You also need to set a root password
Check out:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RootSudo
under "6. Going back to the traditional root account"

You do know that you can start any GUI program 'as root' with

kdesu <program>

without enabling the root account?
(Running whole KDE as root is unadvisable)

[LaneLester]

Re: Root Login Setup

You also need to set a root password
Check out:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/RootSudo
under "6. Going back to the traditional root account"

Thanks! I followed that and can now log on as root as I prefer. However, the root "system" is badly broken. Konqueror won't run, and none of the program windows have a border (the title bar and icons are missing). During KDE's startup, when it's restoring the old session, it errors with, "The process for the system protocol died unexpectedly."

Unfortunately, I also let the system do 80-something updates, which may be part or all of the problem. I think I'll reinstall, enable root, and then do the updates... maybe.

You do know that you can start any GUI program 'as root' with

kdesu <program>

without enabling the root account?
(Running whole KDE as root is unadvisable)

I know, but as a long-time Windows user, I'm accustomed to taking full responsibility for my actions.

And as a long-time Linspire user, I've not suffered any ill effects from its defaulting to root.

And I'm just too lazy.

Lane

[LaneLester]

Re: Root Login Setup

OK, the reinstall and immediately enabling root login did the trick. Now I'm happy again, living out here on the edge.

Lane

[KStorm]

Re: Root Login Setup

I wish to have root login as an option, and I followed this advice on another thread:

Edit  /etc/kde3/kdm/kdmrc .Change the line AllowRootLogin=false to
AllowRootLogin=true

But the login still refuses to allow root. What more should I do?

Lane

There should be no reason to run Kubuntu as root when you have a gob of options at your disposal. For instance, the command kdesu konqueror will allow virtually any root function, and most files have the option to edit them as the root user when you right-click and choose "Actions".

[aysiu]

Re: Root Login Setup

Creating a launcher for (or just pressing Alt-F2 and then typing)

kdesu konqueror

is far more convenient than logging in separately as root graphically.

[kubicle]

Re: Root Login Setup

Creating a launcher for (or just pressing Alt-F2 and then typing)

kdesu konqueror

is far more convenient than logging in separately as root graphically.

Very true, but if I understood correctly, the poster was planning to 'run as root' all the time.

Of course not running 'as root' has, in addition to the obvious benefits, some not-so-obvious perks, like the division of processes into system (root) and user processes.

[LaneLester]

Re: Root Login Setup

Very true, but if I understood correctly, the poster was planning to 'run as root' all the time.

That's correct. I've always run as "root" in Windows, and I always run as root in Linux. The only downside I've seen is the displeasure of other Linux users.

Lane

[Salpiche]

Re: Root Login Setup

I have being using linux for more than 5 years and have always use it as root and root only, as a matter of fact most of my IT friends that run linux at home run it as root and nothing else, so ...

[kubicle]

Re: Root Login Setup

Well...you can compare running/not running as root to not wearing/wearing a seat belt when driving a car.

Most of the time a seat belt is not necessary and even a bit hindering...but it may save you in case of a crash.

Of course if you're an excellent driver you may reduce the chances of a crash, since you know what you're doing, but you can't nullify the risk completely. There are also other factors to take into account, like your brakes breaking down (faulty software) or someone else crashing into you (your children/little brother playing around with the computer).

Please note that I do not wish to tell anyone what to do, you can do what you wish with your computer...just trying to help making an informed decision.

P.S. I usually don't wear a seat belt when driving, but I don't run root graphically either...go figure :P