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Asked: 2024-09-24T23:30:39+05:30 In:

What steps do I need to follow to establish a root password so that I can utilize the su command in place of sudo on my Ubuntu system?

I’ve been trying to get the hang of user permissions and managing my Ubuntu system, but I keep running into this issue with sudo. I know that sudo lets you run commands with superuser privileges, which is super helpful, but sometimes I just want to switch to the root user directly using the su command. However, I’ve heard that by default, Ubuntu disables the root account for security reasons, and I’m a bit confused about how to change that.

I want to know what steps I need to follow to set up a root password so I can use the su command instead of just relying on sudo all the time. I’ve been reading up on it, and it seems like you need to enable the root account first, but the instructions I found were a bit unclear. Some forums suggest using the ‘passwd’ command to set the root password, but I’m not sure if that’s all I need to do. Do I need to change any configurations or deal with any specific settings afterwards?

Also, is there a risk in enabling the root account? I’ve heard arguments both ways, and I don’t want to compromise the security of my system just for the sake of convenience. Are there practices I should follow to keep my system safe while using the root account more freely?

On the flip side, is it really that hard to get used to sudo, and should I just stick with it? I just feel like switching between users with su could be significantly quicker when managing certain tasks, but I don’t want to create any headaches for myself while doing it.

So if anyone has gone through this process or has some solid advice, I’d love to hear your experiences or step-by-step guidance. It’d really help me out, and I’m sure others might have the same questions. Thanks!

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    2 Answers



    1. Ubuntu Root User Setup

      Setting Up the Root User on Ubuntu

      Getting into the root account on Ubuntu can feel a bit tricky since Ubuntu disables the root account by default for security. But don’t worry — it’s not too complicated. Here’s a quick guide on how to enable it and set a root password.

      Steps to Enable the Root Account:

      1. First, open your terminal. You can do this by searching for “Terminal” in your applications.
      2. Type the following command to set a password for the root account:
        3. sudo passwd root
      3. You’ll be prompted to enter your own password (the one you use with sudo). After that, you’ll need to enter a new password for the root account. Make sure to pick something secure!
      4. Once that’s done, the root account should be enabled. You can now switch to the root user by typing:
        5. su -
      5. Enter the password you just set for the root account, and boom, you’re logged in as root!

      Considerations and Risks:

      Enabling the root account does come with some risks:

      • Running as root can be dangerous. If you accidentally do something wrong, you might mess up your system more easily than when using sudo (which is typically safer).
      • Make sure you have a good understanding of what commands do before you run them as root.

      Safety Practices:

      If you choose to use the root account, here are some safety tips:

      • Always log out of the root account when you’re done. Use exit to go back to your normal user.
      • Use sudo whenever possible for specific commands instead of staying logged in as root.
      • Regularly update your system and ensure you have proper backups of important files.

      Should You Stick with Sudo?

      Honestly, it might be easier to just stick with sudo unless you have a specific need to switch to root. It’s designed to be a safer way to perform administrative tasks, and you might find that with some practice, you get pretty comfortable with it!

      In the end, it’s really about what works best for your workflow. Good luck, and happy managing your Ubuntu system!




    2. Managing User Permissions on Ubuntu

      To enable the root account on Ubuntu, you will need to set a root password. By default, the root account is locked for security reasons, and you can unlock it using the passwd command to assign a password to the root user. Open a terminal and execute sudo passwd root. You’ll be prompted to enter your current user password followed by your desired root password. Once this is done, the root account will be enabled, and you can switch to the root user by typing su - and entering the root password. There’s no need to modify configuration files for this to work; simply setting the password is sufficient. However, remember that using the root account can lead to significant risks if you’re not careful, as any mistake can have serious consequences on the system.

      When considering whether to enable the root account, it’s essential to weigh the convenience against security risks. Using sudo is generally safer as it limits access to elevated privileges on a per-command basis, thereby reducing the chance of accidentally executing harmful commands. To maintain security while using the root account, ensure you use complex passwords, only enable the root account when absolutely necessary, and log out of the root session when not in use. As for adapting to sudo, many users find it becomes second nature over time, allowing for quicker command inputs without the risk that comes from operating in a full root environment all the time. Therefore, it may be beneficial to invest the time to become comfortable with sudo instead of switching to su.


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