[101995] in RedHat Linux List
Re: 'root'' login vs. 'standard user' login
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Deryk Barker)
Mon Nov 30 18:33:40 1998
Date: Mon, 30 Nov 1998 15:33:23 -0800
From: Deryk Barker <dbarker@camosun.bc.ca>
To: redhat-list@redhat.com
In-Reply-To: <XFMail.981130145300.lsumpter@bchgate.bchydro.bc.ca>; from Lloyd Sumpter on Mon, Nov 30, 1998 at 02:53:00PM -0800
Resent-From: redhat-list@redhat.com
Reply-To: redhat-list@redhat.com
Thus spake Lloyd Sumpter (Lloyd.Sumpter@BCHydro.bc.ca):
>
> I've heard this. It used to be that if you knew enough about Linux to
> install it, you knew enough to be root. Redhat and others have changed that, so
> I guess you need the "never login as root" stuff.
No, no, no - it's nothing to do with Red Hat. root is simply *too
powerful* to use for "normal" logins.
Any competent Unix book will tell you the same.
> I'm quite happy logging in as root, and have never accidentally destroyed
> my system. I don't really mind the warnings, but some systems, such as Star
> Office, REQUIRE that you not be root. Nope, not for me. If I wanted to be told
> how I ran my computer, I'd be using Micrsoft stuff (or even a Mac!)
> Anyway, if you aren't SURE about what you're doing (i.e. you haven't
> compiled you own kernel, written a few script files, used rdev, patched a wonky
> fstab file (with cat, because vi wasn't working...)) or feel lost without a GUI
> interface, DON'T login as root. (But don't tell me I can't!)
I didn't tell you you can't (or, indeed, that you may not) simply that
it is a very bad idea.
It also has nothing to do with knowing what you're doing or not - a
moment's carelessness or forgetfulness can be enough to wipe out your
entire system.
--
|Deryk Barker, Computer Science Dept. | Music does not have to be understood|
|Camosun College, Victoria, BC, Canada| It has to be listened to. |
|email: dbarker@camosun.bc.ca | |
|phone: +1 250 370 4452 | Hermann Scherchen. |
--
PLEASE read the Red Hat FAQ, Tips, Errata and the MAILING LIST ARCHIVES!
http://www.redhat.com http://archive.redhat.com
To unsubscribe: mail redhat-list-request@redhat.com with
"unsubscribe" as the Subject.
