Login as root [SOLVED]

[cgiefer]

I realize this is a really stupid question, but how does one login as root in a terminal? I tried "su - root" and "su -l root" and entered my password, but it just comes back with Authentication failure. Something I'm unaccustomed to with Linux Mint is using my own password when it prompts for a root password, such as bringing up Synaptic. At no point have I ever been prompted to create a separate root password, so I do find that confusing after using PCLOS for so many years.

[kc1di]

Hello cgiefer,
Mint uses sudo instead of su to gain root privileges. so the syntax would be

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sudo <nameofprogram or file you need access to.>

one of the differences in between the two is that with sudo privilege is only give temporarily and it reverses to standard user when program is finished.
For instance say you wanted to elevate privilege to install a program

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sudo apt install <package name>

Note: you should use gksu or gksudo if your running a program already installed such as

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gksu xed

Hope this helps.

[cgiefer]

Yes, it definitely helps! Thank you, kc1di, much appreciated. I didn't realize how sudo was used, but now I get it.

[rene]

Also note though that of course a shell is one of the programs you can open with elevated privileges: sudo -i will get you a root shell.

[Moem]

Note: you should use gksu or gksudo if your running a program already installed such as

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gksu xed

Close but no cigar. You should always use gksu or gksudo if you are running a program with a graphical GUI, such as

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gksu xed

Using sudo or su for graphical programs can and will result in problems with permissions.

[kc1di]

Thanks for the clarification Moem

[Moem]

kc1di, you're welcome! The more you know, right?