I am confused about the root sudo thing, help!

[Spyderkid]

I understand that logging in as the root (admin) makes your system unstable and un-secure but where I get confused is...

I have just installed Ubuntu and then obviously created a login to use as it ask's you but it does let me log on with that account and it isn't restricted like the root is ment to be so is that the root or not?

and if it's not the root can you please tell me what is for future refrence...




Cheers!

[oz]

You can check this short article for more info on sudo and root user:

http://www.linuxforums.org/forum/ubu...in-ubuntu.html

I'm personally not a fan of using sudo, but some users love it!

[glene77is]

As I understand it,
Ubuntu has locked 'root' and implemented a "sudo <command>" method.
This activates the logger, requires your password, and allows tracking.
You are temporary 'root' and your password is logged, and your commands are logged. Much safer than allowing a full drop to 'root' priviledges.
glene77is

[Manko10]

Yep, that's nearly the truth except that not Ubuntu invented sudo. That's a general command available on most Linux distributions by default and it's always recommended to use sudo instead of logging in as root. That's much safer because the chance that you do bad things accidentally is much lower. With sudo you can also allow and even disallow specific commands for some users so they can run them with root privileges. When you need to really become root (e.g. because something does not work with sudo etc.) then type su and enter the root password (not your own as with sudo). With su - username and this user's password you can also become "username". Of course root himself can become any user with su without being prompted for a password.

[Spyderkid]

not being rude but I don't think you've answered my question is the 'root' the first account you make when you first install Ubuntu?

[Manko10]

Oh, I thought your question had already been answered and I just added something to the last post.
But no: you don't create a root account. The root account is always there and the account you create during the installation process is your normal user account with sudo privileges.

[Spyderkid]

Ah thank you! so its fine to use the account that I created on installation?

[Manko10]

Yes, absolutely.

[glene77is]

Manko,
Thanks.
glene77is