On Sun, Apr 29, 2012 at 9:46 PM, Yaron <tclug at freakzilla.com> wrote: > This isn't an Ubuntu thing. It's one of the things where Ubuntu is following > current security protocols. +1. Couldn't have said it better. Ubuntu has made some bone-headed moves in their history, but their decision to all but disable root was not of them. Unfortunately when I was first cutting my teeth on linux administration, I chose poorly(tm) and frequently signed into all my servers as root. I was very fortunately to never have had a major mishap as a result of this, but that was just pure luck. I've since broken myself of that habit, and use "sudo su -" only when absolutely necessary. When interacting with less experienced linux users (or more experienced ones who are still using a root prompt), this is one thing I'll try really, really hard to embed in their minds. By using a root prompt, you expose yourself to far too many risks and lose out on several very nice benefits that one gains by using sudo. -Erik