Cannot log in as root?

[phpguy]

I'm using Debian, and trying to log into the system as root on the main login GUI page.

When I enter my authentication it says:

"The system administrator is not allowed to login from this screen"

How can I avoid this error message, and log in as root?

[Jonathan183]

My suggestion - don't login as root at the gui. If you need root access use sudo in a terminal

[phpguy]

Thanks Jonathan... I'll have a look at the sudo command. I was having some problems with it, but the tutorial you provided looks easy to follow

[phpguy]

Okay, here's something else...

If I don't log in a root, how do I create files in my web server directory for example? E.g. I go to cd /var/www/ and currently there is index.html there... However, I want to create test.php, so I type "vim test.php" then type ":wq" meaning I want to save the file, but it will not let me save....

If I'm not supposed to log in as root, how can I save a file in that directory?

Thanks!

[Jonathan183]

sudo then_any_command_you_want_to_use_with_root_rights will allow you to do what you want. sudo -s will allow you to work in the terminal with root rights until you type exit or press ctrl+d. Depending on the directory and files you may also want to change directory/file owner and file access properties. Check chown and chmod commands ... check the man pages eg man chown chmod I have not setup a web server so don't know who should own files and folders ... but it is worth reading up on this to ensure you don't introduce security weaknesses that can be exploited.

[DeadBeet]

If you REALLY want to login as root do:

gksu gdmsetup


And enable "root login".

However, I suggest logging in as a regular user, open a terminal and type sudo -i. This will enable root for your account for the session. When it asks for password, ensure you type the user accounts password, not root.

[carlex]

It is always best no to login as "root". If you really need to switch to "root", u may use the command:

sudo -i

[phpguy]

If you REALLY want to login as root do:

gksu gdmsetup


And enable "root login".

However, I suggest logging in as a regular user, open a terminal and type sudo -i. This will enable root for your account for the session. When it asks for password, ensure you type the user accounts password, not root.

Why must you enter your own password and not the root password? Is that secure?

Isn't it insecure to be able just use "sudo -i" and be able to access the system with full root priviliges without even knowing the password?

Or is the logic that (as per a link that Jonathan provided) that all actions will be logged, so even if you want to mess around, then your actions will be reported to the system admin?

[phpguy]

sudo then_any_command_you_want_to_use_with_root_rights will allow you to do what you want. sudo -s will allow you to work in the terminal with root rights until you type exit or press ctrl+d. Depending on the directory and files you may also want to change directory/file owner and file access properties. Check chown and chmod commands ... check the man pages eg man chown chmod I have not setup a web server so don't know who should own files and folders ... but it is worth reading up on this to ensure you don't introduce security weaknesses that can be exploited.

Hmmm.... I'm a little upset.

Does this mean I have to chmod practically every directory that I want access to?

It seems that by default, I'm only allowed to save/modify files within my own home directory

[DeadBeet]

Are you in the wheel group? If not, sudo -i will not work, nor will sudo.