Permission denied for basic files from root..

[GoT mIlK ???]

Im uber noob to Linux as u can see
Installed Debian etch 2 days ago and have been doing alot of reading to try and learn the system and some basic shell comands.
I think i have missed something very simple coz almost any file i try to read i get "Permission denied" when loged in as user or root.
Again im noob and trying to learn.. im stumped coz even when i ls -l
i have a list of files/folders contained in the directory im in, but all permission denied so i cant play and explore and learn.
I think ive missed something major so plz help
Thx.

[RobinVossen]

login as root.
And you are Tux.. the Linux God..

aka, when you are Root you can do anything you like.
So keep beeing root as short as posable.
NEVER open Firefox with ROOT or a IRC client with ROOT.

To become root type in the CLI "su"

Hope that helps.

[devils casper]

Hi and Welcome !

You must have root privileges to edit/delete/create files outside your home ( /home/<UserID> ) folder. You can gain root privileges by executing su command. Its not recommended to edit any file outside your home folder unless you know what you are doing.

Check linuxcommand.org. It will get you going.
Do post back if you have any other query/problem. Have fun with Linux !

[GoT mIlK ???]

Thx for replying,
I have actually been logged in as root from the non GUI shell and still all permissions are denied, tho i havent tried the su command so ill give it a go.
Thx again

[devils casper]

Execute 'whoami' command to check the if you have root privileges or not.