In this guide, we will explore different methods to run Terminal as root in Ubuntu. This can be useful when you need to execute commands with administrative privileges. However, it’s important to note that running Terminal as root should be done with caution, as it gives you full control over your system and can lead to irreversible changes if used improperly.
To run Terminal as root in Ubuntu, you can use the command "sudo gnome-terminal" or install the "gksu" package and use the commands "gksu gnome-terminal" or "gksudo gnome-terminal". Another method is to start a root shell inside Terminal using the command "sudo -i". However, it’s important to exercise caution when running Terminal as root, as it grants full control over the system and can lead to irreversible changes if used improperly.
What is Root?
In Linux, the root user is the superuser and has the highest level of access to the system. You can think of the root user as similar to the Administrator account in Windows. The root user can access, modify, and delete any file on the system, install and uninstall software, and modify system settings.
Method 1: Using sudo gnome-terminal
The first method to run Terminal as root in Ubuntu is by using the sudo gnome-terminal command. Here’s how to do it:
- Open Terminal.
- Type
sudo gnome-terminaland press Enter. - Enter your password when prompted.
This command opens a new Terminal window with root privileges. The sudo command stands for “superuser do”, which allows a permitted user to execute a command as the superuser or another user, as specified in the sudoers file. The gnome-terminal command opens a new instance of the Terminal.
Method 2: Using gksu or gksudo
Another method to run Terminal as root is by using the gksu or gksudo command. However, these commands are not installed by default on Ubuntu 18.04 and later versions. If you’re using an older version of Ubuntu, you can skip to the next step. If you’re using Ubuntu 18.04 or later, you’ll need to install the gksu package first:
- Open Terminal.
- Type
sudo apt install gksuand press Enter. - Enter your password when prompted.
Once you’ve installed gksu, you can use it to run Terminal as root:
- Open Terminal.
- Type
gksu gnome-terminalorgksudo gnome-terminaland press Enter. - Enter your password when prompted.
The gksu and gksudo commands are graphical front-ends to sudo and su, respectively. They allow you to run graphical commands with root privileges.
Method 3: Starting a Root Shell Inside Terminal
The third method to run Terminal as root is by starting a root shell inside Terminal. This can be done using the sudo -i command:
- Open Terminal.
- Type
sudo -iand press Enter. - Enter your password when prompted.
This command starts a root shell within the current Terminal session, allowing you to run commands as root without using sudo each time. The -i option stands for “interactive”, and it starts a new shell with root privileges.
Conclusion
Running Terminal as root in Ubuntu can be done in several ways, each with its own advantages. However, it’s important to remember that running commands as root should be done with caution, as it can lead to system instability or data loss if used improperly. Always double-check your commands before running them as root, and only use root access when necessary.
For more information on using Terminal in Ubuntu, check out the official Ubuntu documentation.
Remember, the power of the root user is immense, and with great power comes great responsibility. Use it wisely!
No, running Terminal as root in Ubuntu requires the use of the command line. The methods mentioned in this guide involve using command line commands to open a Terminal window with root privileges.
Running Terminal as root gives you full control over your system, which means you have the ability to make changes that can have serious consequences. If you’re not careful, you can accidentally delete important files or modify critical system settings, leading to system instability or data loss. It’s important to double-check your commands and only use root access when necessary.
To exit the root shell in Terminal, you can simply type exit and press Enter. This will return you to your regular user shell.
Yes, instead of running Terminal as root, you can use the sudo command before specific commands to run them with root privileges. This allows you to execute individual commands as root without needing to open a separate Terminal window. However, be cautious when using sudo, as it still gives you the ability to make system-wide changes.
Yes, you can customize the appearance of the Terminal window when running it as root. You can change the font, color scheme, and other settings just like you would with a regular Terminal window. However, keep in mind that any changes you make will only apply to the root Terminal window and not to your regular user Terminal windows.
