new user = root user = BAD!

[oz]

It seems to me that we are seeing more and more cases of new users to Linux thinking that they just have to run Linux from the root account. As much as we preach against this terrible habit here on the forums, you'd think that we'd be seeing less of it happening. In addition, they don't bother to tell you that they are running from the root account, so when you try to offer help, it confuses things a bit.

Do any of you know what it is that compels new users to think that they must run Linux as the root user?

[bidi]

Because running as root user allows them to just do things without having to log in as root all the time!

This is the same reason why people run as Administrator on Windows XP.

Most modern distros (the ones I use anyway) disable running X as root user, or just disable root. Debian disables running X as root if you use GDM and Ubuntu disables root all together (but I don't like the whole sudo thing).

[oz]

I remember years ago, Mandrake (when it was still called that) used to make the GUI desktop background for the root account a very bright red that was almost unbearable to look at, so that you immediately knew you were logged in some place where you shouldn't be.

[daark.child]

I think the mentality of running as root/admin all the time comes from Windows. This is probably one of the main reasons behind Windows poor security record. Unfortunately many newbs don't try to learn about the Unix security model and adjust to it. Instead they try to work in Linux/Unix as if they were on Windows. I think eventually many people learn not to login as root/admin unless its necessary, when they execute a command that can leave them with a broken OS or they lose their important data.

[sdimhoff]

I think bidi hit the nail on the head, no permissions problems, no su'ing, ignorance is bliss. When I first became an avid linux user it took repeated warnings from a friend before I realized that running as root was a bad thing. It is one of those things that you need to be told otherwise you may not realize it.

I for one am not fond of outright disabling x for root or using sudo, but each distribution/user has their reasons for the precautions they take.

[minthaka]

Well, I can understand those, who likes to run the distro as root users. It's sometimes really bothering and boring I have to type in my password, especially in cases when you're the only one using your system, which is not connected to the internet. I've turned at least 10 persons into Linux users, but I must admit that it isn't quite comfortable for a new user to use terminal, cos in fact you cannot evade the command line. Of course, security has priority, so I'm obeying to the system-rules.

[elija]

It's definitely a Windows hangover, but what else can you expect?

More people who don't really understand Operating Systems and
security are starting to move over from Windows to Linux. This
means they are going to work in the way they are used to.

Who can really blame them, after all Linux is more secure.
Right? Well yes but only when you don't run everything as root.

On another note, I used to hate sudo, but have grown to love it.

[bigtomrodney]

I have convinced several people to switch over the years and it's usually a balance between the better security and 'killer apps' such as Amarok. People whose systems have been repeatedly infested are more open to the idea of seperating root from users when it is demonstrated and explained. The Ubuntu approach seems easier to accept as it is just asking for their password so the idea of a seperate root user is not constantly reenforced.

On the other hand people I have known that tried to switch but eventually wimped out were all people that persisted in logging in as root. It may be a mentality thing too. Often times people confuse power-user experience with Windows with knowing all things about computers. These are the same people that kick and scream when something doesn't work the same way as Windows.

[Jonathan183]

People are after the short term, positive outcome. If you run as root you only need to login once. You don't get asked to re-enter your password or get confusing messages about needing to login as something else. If you don't know or see the bad things that can happen ... whats the problem ?

If you want new users to stop using root its simple ... just make them enter the root password when starting every new command at CLI, starting each application in a GUI and every time you save or open a file in an application. That way normal user login is easier than root user login.

[cousinlucky]

Funny, I have to twist my own arms to log in as root or go into the Yast of my suse 10 os. I always have the feeling that I am going to do something wrong in there.

As a matter of fact I have really messed up my filing ststem in there not long ago.