Logging in as root

[Chanchao]

 > If you want to run a command a root, type "sudo <command-name>" and 
type in your password.
 > This is significantly more secure than being able to login as root.

Or if you want to run a graphical program as root, (for example your 
file manager Nautilus) then use 'gksudo'. e.g.

  gksudo nautilus

will open a file browser with root access rights.    Be aware though 
that you cannot drag & drop files from that window into other file 
manager windows that are NOT run as root, including your desktop 
screen.   So often I end up opening two of them so I can drag and drop 
between the two.

Also Nautilus can be extended with a script (goes into a submenu) that 
will open your current folder in a new browser running as root. This 
saves some mouse clicks as you don't have to naviate to that folder 
again after opening a file browser as root.

> What program are you trying to run as root?
My guess is that the deeper reason he needs to run something as root can 
be solved in better ways that don't require running it as root... Like I 
used to think I needed to run Kino (movie editor) as root because it 
wouldn't work otherwise.  Turned out that it didn't work only because 
the default permissions on the Firewire port didn't allow access from 
ordinary users. (bit brain-dead, this for a desktop distro, or at the 
very least include it in the user settings along with the settings if a 
user is allowed to use sound, cd-rom or video accelleration, but hey).  
Anyway after changing those permissions, Kino worked fine when running 
as a normal mortal user.
> I don't wish to be rude, but I have to say this: I will not help you 
> login to the GUI as root. 
I think you can just enable this in the Login Screen administration panel? 

> I love helping new users, but I cannot bring myself to help someone do 
> something harmful
> to themselves and to the larger internet community.

Now now... it's not like he's attempting genocide or anything... :))

Cheers,
Chanchao