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permalink · #1 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 05:32 AM

Hello,

I've got a freshly installed linux box running Mandrake 9.1. Things
seem to work nicely, I'm networked, Samba is functioning, life is
good. However, when I start the box up, the only username available is
the one account I set up during install. There is not a selection to
log in as root. This isn't much of a problem, because I can su into
root and get things done, but a few things, such as Netconf won't run
unless I am actually logged in as root. Can someone tell me how to
correct this? I wouldn't think I would have to actually create a root
account, I set the root password during install and like I said, I can
su into root or provide the root password in the various KDE apps I
use to modify things. Thanks.

permalink · #2 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 05:32 AM

In comp.os.linux.setup, Loctavius uttered these immortal words:

> I've got a freshly installed linux box running Mandrake 9.1. Things
> seem to work nicely, I'm networked, Samba is functioning, life is
> good. However, when I start the box up, the only username available is
> the one account I set up during install. There is not a selection to
> log in as root.

I'm going to assume you mean you are logging in via (k|g|x)dm.

There's no option to select root because you should never log into a GUI
environment as root.

> This isn't much of a problem, because I can su into
> root and get things done, but a few things, such as Netconf won't run
> unless I am actually logged in as root.

You should be prompted to enter the root password if you start GUI apps that
need root access. You can also use kdesu for GUI apps. You can use su or
sudo to run console stuff, as you know.

> Can someone tell me how to
> correct this?

Don't. There's no need to ever log into a GUI environment as root.

> I wouldn't think I would have to actually create a root
> account,

I should think not. root always exists.

> I set the root password during install and like I said, I can
> su into root or provide the root password in the various KDE apps I
> use to modify things.

So you know that there's no real need to log into a GUI environment as root.
Why would you want to log out of your normal account, log in as root to do
some stuff and then log back in as your normal account anyway? It's far
quicker the way you're doing things now. :-)

--
Andy.

permalink · #3 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 05:32 AM

In comp.os.linux.setup Loctavius <loctavius@hotmail.com>:
> Hello,

> I've got a freshly installed linux box running Mandrake 9.1. Things
> seem to work nicely, I'm networked, Samba is functioning, life is
> good. However, when I start the box up, the only username available is
> the one account I set up during install. There is not a selection to
> log in as root. This isn't much of a problem, because I can su into
> root and get things done, but a few things, such as Netconf won't run
> unless I am actually logged in as root. Can someone tell me how to

Not really, they'll just fine work if you try (as root):

export DISPLAY=:0

And as your user from another xterm:

xhost +localhost

One out of various ways to get (x)apps working after 'su -' and
often enough unless there are other users on the system.

Good luck

--
Michael Heiming (X-PGP-Sig > GPG-Key ID: EDD27B94)
mail: echo zvpunry@urvzvat.qr | perl -pe 'y/a-z/n-za-m/'
#bofh excuse 262: Our POP server was kidnapped by a weasel.

permalink · #4 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 05:32 AM

Loctavius <loctavius@hotmail.com> wrote:
> the one account I set up during install. There is not a selection to
> log in as root. This isn't much of a problem, because I can su into
> root and get things done, but a few things, such as Netconf won't run
> unless I am actually logged in as root. Can someone tell me how to
> correct this? I wouldn't think I would have to actually create a root

This is by design. Using root when there is no need can damage the system if
you do not know what you are doing.

You are prompted for the root password as and when desired.

You have already stated that you can su root.

Just su root, when you absolutely must.

You certainly should not be using root to log into X11.

Regards,

Mark.

--

Mark Hobley
393 Quinton Road West
QUINTON
Birmingham
B32 1QE

Reply to: markhobley at hotpop dot do_not_type_this_bit com

http://markhobley.yi.org/

permalink · #5 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 05:32 AM

loctavius@hotmail.com (Loctavius) writes:

]Hello,

]I've got a freshly installed linux box running Mandrake 9.1. Things
]seem to work nicely, I'm networked, Samba is functioning, life is
]good. However, when I start the box up, the only username available is
]the one account I set up during install. There is not a selection to

Yes, as it should be.

]log in as root. This isn't much of a problem, because I can su into
]root and get things done, but a few things, such as Netconf won't run
]unless I am actually logged in as root. Can someone tell me how to

?? If you su to root you ARE logged in as root.

]correct this? I wouldn't think I would have to actually create a root
]account, I set the root password during install and like I said, I can
]su into root or provide the root password in the various KDE apps I
]use to modify things. Thanks.

permalink · #6 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 05:32 AM

On Wed, 03 Nov 2004 14:47:21 -0800, Loctavius wrote:

> Hello,
>
> SNIPThere is not a selection to log in as
> root. This isn't much of a problem, because I can su into root and get
> things done, but a few things, such as Netconf won't run unless I am
> actually logged in as root.SNIP

At the risk of being branded a heretic, to log in graphically as root, try
opening KDE Control Center/Sytem/Login Manager. There you will find a way
to display (or not) the root option during the graphical login.

Run as root at your own risk whether gui or console, the result is the
same - root can do anything!

Nemomarii

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Mandrake 9.1 - No root user?