Knoppix root password

[mrob]

I am using Knoppix 3.2. With some programs I am asked to log-in as root. If I change to the console and type "su" I am asked for a password. How do I assign a root password?

[ghost2003]

If you login as root you can change the password with passwd(1)

Of course, you need to have the current password to do that...you do have it, right?

If you often need to run a program as root, look into using sudo(8)

[mairving]

You should have assigned a root password when you installed Knoppix. If you didn't or you can't remember then you either have to set it up again or try to figure out the pw.

[ghost2003]

Originally Posted by mairving You should have assigned a root password when you installed Knoppix. If you didn't or you can't remember then you either have to set it up again or try to figure out the pw.

There is a way to reset the password. Im not sure if explaining this would violate rule #9 though...

[mairving]

Originally Posted by ghost2003 There is a way to reset the password. Im not sure if explaining this would violate rule #9 though...

Yep, I know that I have had to do use it a time or two. It's generally not for someone who doesn't know their way around the command line. And yes it would violate the rules.

[mojo]

Is this just the knoppix boot CD or did you install it to your harddrive? If it's just the bootable cd:

From the FAQ:
Q: What is the root password?
A: There is none; all passwords are locked by default. You can set it by going Knoppix Menu->Root Shell and typing "passwd", then enterting a root password, also there are several sections you can read dealing with this subject in KNOPPIX/README_Security.txt. You can also type "sudo su" or "sudo -s" in any console window, or use --F2 to get at the text console with already opened root shell.

Apparently, however, in some versions of Knoppix, if you type 'sudo -s', it will ask for a password. If you simply press return without entering anything, it will tell you 'Authentication Failed."

[mrob]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I am using Knoppix on the CD, and I have never set any passwords. I will try the Menu->Root Shell method suggested by mojo.

[LeftyAce]

On the cd, to become root you must type (at the command line) "sudo su" without the quotes. You will then be root, and can set a root password if you need to (You shouldn't though, because you can do anything you need to off of the command line through sudo). This is unique to knoppix, and violates no rules :-)

[rhysox]

I'd like to think that people are a little more secure with their root access!

[LeftyAce]

It's a live cd, so there's nothing you can do to hurt the installation; the whole thing's read only, and all the files installed on it are freely available through the knoppix download to start with.

I agree, for a permanent install this would be an absurd security situation.

[rhysox]

Ah I see, it's the livecd install, my bad.