Do you need to have access to system folders on Ubuntu Server? The solution is to become a Root user, we will show you the simple way to do it. Ubuntu Server is a variant of the Ubuntu open-source operating system, which is primarily intended to be installed on servers.
Currently, the use of this operating system on servers has become popular, since its environment, although not graphical, is very easy to use even remotely. At the same time, it is possible to create and add users in Linux with root permissions.
By not requiring this graphical environment, using command lines, resources can be used to maximize server capacity, obtaining better results.
Security is also an important aspect in this operating system, it allows the creation of encrypted directories to protect data and important information.
Another feature that makes this software the favorite of many is its durability, and that is that it can be online for years without presenting significant bugs or errors. In addition, it has a support system for each version and in case of update the user can choose what to update.
On the other hand, since it is free software, the costs required to obtain a server with an Ubuntu operating system are much lower compared to others.
What is the root user?
It is a type of user who has administrative access to the system, therefore, it is authorized to make modifications in the root. When installing an operating system, in most cases, the first user created will have Root access, while the others will be restricted for security reasons.
However, it is possible to authorize other users to use the Users and Groups application and the same to remove the permissions.
Root access allows authorized users to make modifications that allow better performance on the servers. These types of users can also limit or allow access to certain data or files stored to other users of the server. For this reason, it is recommended that only experienced users have root access.
Enable Root User
One of the easiest ways to activate the Root user is by using the sudo command, which corresponds to the Linux Super User Do utility. This utility allows you to perform actions that require security privileges that only some users have, allowing you to have Root access temporarily.
By running the sudo command, you can see all the allowed actions, for example, granting permissions to a user or a group of users, among others.
In case you are using a user without root access you can use the sudo command to perform actions that are restricted to the superuser. For example, by typing sudo apt-get install (package name) you can install programs.
While the command sudo apt-get uninstall (package name) allows you to uninstall programs, an action that requires security privileges.
If you don’t want to type the sudo command every time you want to perform an action, you must run the sudo su – command. In some cases, it will require you to enter your user password and then the username will change indicating that you are already a Root user. Now that you have the necessary permissions, you will be able to make the system modifications you want, such as installing or uninstalling packages or programs. In case you forget it, you will have to recover your forgotten user password in Ubuntu from the terminal.
The default time for this inaction is 15 minutes, but this preference can be modified by the administrator user.
Since system modifications have repercussions on the operating system and could damage it, it is best to only give root access to experienced users. In this way, the security and integrity of the information stored on the server is maintained. But you should still know how to change the forgotten root password in Ubuntu Linux
Disable Root User
Once you have finished making the modifications you wanted, you can deactivate Root access for the user you are using.
One option will be to wait for the time set for the sudo su command to expire. And, in case of finishing before this time expires, use the command sudo passwd –dl root. Once you log in again with your user without privileges, you will not be able to make system modifications.