Chris Share wrote:
Hi, I have a couple of really basic newbie questions:1. How do I logon as the root user? At present, when I start Linux I don't seem to get this option in the logon window.2. How do I shutdown/restart the computer when logged on as a normal user? Cheers, Chris
It normally isn't a good idea to login directly as root under X, and Debian discourages this. There is a thread over the last few days on Debian User discussing this in detail... you might want to review it.
That said, it "can" be done! If you are using the GDM display manager you need to make the appropriate edits in the /etc/gdm/gdm.conf file. The main one to set to get root logins is "AllowRoot=true" in the [security] section.
As to your second question about shutdown/restart the computer, again there are several options. Normally this can only be done by root... you wouldn't want another computer on your LAN to be able to shutdown the main server by accident for example. Your options are:
1. Use the "su -" command in a terminal window to login as root and then issue the appropriate shutdown command everytime.
2. Go to an alternate console (<ctrl-alt-F1) and just do the 3-fingered salute (<ctrl>-<alt>-<delete>) everytime or login as root and do the above in #1.
3. Again edit the /etc/gdm/gdm.conf file. The appropriate setting here is "SystemMenu=true" in the [greeter] section. This will allow you to shutdown/restart from the Greeter by hitting the "System" button on the Greeter screen. If you also set "ConfigAvailable=true" in this same section you will be able to pull up all the GDM config option on a nice GUI screen, and make changes right from the Greeter rather than have to login and make edits.
If you are using KDM, there are similar options, but I am not familair with the specifics since I don't use it. GDM has a short man page that points you towards the location of it full manual on your system if you want to read more & explore.
Cheers, -Don Spoon-