Thanks, this is what I needed to know! I understand that it isn't good to go in as root, but I needed to do something that I only knew how to do under it. Once I feel more comfortable with using SU, that will be what I use
walt -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Derek Jennings Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2003 6:18 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [newbie] not able to log on as root On Saturday 29 Mar 2003 9:26 pm, walt wrote: > I installed Mandrake 9.1..fresh install. I needed to log on as root so I > logged out and I did not see "root" so I could click on it and do what I > have to do. Anyone have any ideas as to what I am doing wrong???? > > Walt Mandrake 9.1 comes with a choice of 3 different login managers. mdkKDM does not permit log on by root. KDM is the same as in 9.0 and will permit root logon GDM is the Gnome login Manager and will permit root logon. You can select which one is used in MandrakeControlCentre>Hardware>DisplayManager The reason the mdk default is to forbid root logon is because it really is not a good idea. If you log on as root *every process* will run as root including your web browser. You would only have to visit a malicious internet site making use of a browser exploit and you could lose control of your computer. (Its not likely, but possible) By contrast if you visit a malicious site as a user and your browser is hacked. The attacker will not be able to alter any of your binaries to install back doors, and only your user data files are at risk. (And you back them up don't you?) Any maintenance you need to do as root can be done by opening a terminal and typing 'su' to become root. Then only processes opened in that terminal will be root. There are also tools available from the menu such as Applications>FileTools>FileManager(SuperUser) which will open a konqueror window for you as root. derek -- ---------------------------------- www.jennings.homelinux.net
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