Trouble Logging In as Root

[Carl Friis-Hansen]

> I am having trouble logging in as root on a fresh install of Ubuntu 8.10.
> During the setup process, I was prompted to give a password which I can
> use
> perfectly to install programs and make most changes. However, I think the
> system only set me up as a administrator because when I try to login as
> root
> I receive this message:
>
> sam at sam-laptop:~$ su root
> Password:
> su: Authentication failure
> sam at sam-laptop:~$
>
> Am I missing something really obvious here? How can setup my computer so
> that I can login as root? I have all my files backed up so if another
> fresh
> install is required that is certainly as possibility.

No panic Sam,
there is by default no password for root. However, your administrator
login gives you the right to act as root, which you use ever so offten
when you install programs or edit various system configurations.
If you want to run anything that needs root privilege, then:

$ sudo yourCommand

or if it's a graphic application:

$ gksu yourCommand

The password you give sudo is your normal login password.

Google for: ubuntu sudo root password
or something if you need more explanation.

-- 
                          ---------=oOOo=---------
                            Carl Friis-Hansen
                            http://carl-fh.com/
                            Phone: +46 372 15033
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