how to log in as root on desktop

[R Kimber]

On Wed, 1 Dec 2010 12:43:22 +0530
Tapas Mishra wrote:

> I have been using root login su -
> from past 5 years I do not find any problem and never had any problems.
> So I am not able to understand what is wrong with that and why each
> time some one has to set a root password or use sudo each time.

Indeed, but a lot depends on the context in which the system is being used.

For a single home user, who has strong passwords, behind two firewalls, who
has good backups, and is prepared to reinstall if disaster strikes, much of
the Ubunutu security seems paranoid.  I'm still trying to figure out why
I've managed to fix it so that I can use Synaptic without a password, yet
update-manager now insists on it each time - it's very irritating - it's as
if the latter is bypassing the sudoers file in some way. It used to be OK.
There's been a change, but I'm not clear what it is.

On the other hand, Ubuntu is also used in contexts where the above approach
is just not acceptable, and the system is designed to work in even the most
challenged environments, and this requires all the security arrangements
that seem unnecessary to some individual home users.

It's a matter of assessing one's risk, and adjusting one's system
accordingly.  It's just a pity that there isn't better information for
those who are happy to undo some of the security arrangements.

- Richard.
-- 
Richard Kimber
Political Science Resources
http://www.PoliticsResources.net/