2 ways to switch to root user in Linux

In Linux, there are two ways to switch to the root user. The first way is to use the su command, and the second way is to use the sudo command. In this blog post, we will discuss both methods in detail. We will also provide step-by-step instructions on how to switch to the root user using each method. Let’s get started!

What are the benefits of using the root user in Linux?

The root user has full access to all files and directories in the system, and can perform any actions. This means that the root user can manage system files, install and remove software, create and delete users, and much more.

switch to root user with su command in Linux

To switch to root user in Linux, we can use su – command. When you execute the su – command, you are essentially asking to be logged in as the root user. You will then be prompted for the root password.

Once you enter the password, you will be logged in as the root user. You can verify that you are logged in as the root user by executing the whoami command. The output of the whoami command will tell you the current user that you are logged in as.

switch to root user with sudo command in Linux

The sudo command stands for “superuser do.” The sudo command allows you to execute a single command as the root user. In order to use the sudo command, you must first have an account on the Linux system that has been assigned the sudoers group. Once you have an account in the sudoers group, you can execute the sudo command by typing the following into the terminal:

sudo [command]

You will then be prompted for your password. Once you enter your password, the specified command will be executed as the root user. We can use sudo su – command to switch to root user if we are already in sudoers group.

difference between su and sudo command in Linux

The sudo command is more restricted than the su command. With sudo, you can only execute a single command as the root user. With su, you can log in to the root user account and have full access to all files and directories. In addition, sudo requires that you have an account in the sudoers group, while su does not.

Both methods will get you to the root user, but each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Choose the method that best fits your needs.

What are some common commands for the root user in Linux?

Some common commands for the root user in Linux include the following:

• chown: Changes the ownership of a file or directory
• chmod: Changes the permissions of a file or directory
• ls: Shows the contents of a directory
• cd: Changes the current working directory
• mkdir: Creates a new directory
• rmdir: Deletes a directory
• touch: Creates a new file
• cp: Copies a file from one location to another
• mv: Moves a file from one location to another
• rm: Deletes a file

What are some best practices for using the root user in Linux?

Some best practices for using the root user in Linux include the following:

• Use the root user only when absolutely necessary
• Avoid using graphical interfaces as the root user
• Use strong passwords for the root user account
• Keep the system up to date with security patches
• Monitor activity on the system regularly to detect unusual activity that could be indicative of a security breach.
• Always log out of the root user account when you are finished using it
• Do not use the root user account on untrusted or public networks

Both of these methods can be used to switch to the root user in Linux. In most cases, the sudo command is the preferred method as it is more secure. However, there are some situations where the su command may be necessary.

For example, if you need to execute a series of commands as the root user, you can use the su command to switch to the root user and then execute the commands. Alternatively, you could use the sudo command to execute each command as the root user.

We hope you found this blog post helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thanks for reading!