SDB:Graphical Login as Root

Situation

You are logged in as root and you always get the window manager fvwm2 when starting X through startx.

Procedure

Copy all files of the directory /etc/skel in your home directory (in this case /root) with: cp -a /etc/skel/.[a-z,A-Z,0-9]* /root This command also copies the hidden files from /etc/skel to /root. In these files, you can find the settings for starting the window manager xxxx with startx xxxx. Attention: Some file changes might be lost.

Problems

Usually you should never work as root on the X interface. Beside security risks, like obtaining your password by checking the login prompt (that is possible under X), this could lead to malfunctions or even to serious damages to your system.

Graphical interfaces are very comfortable. Files can be moved or deleted with a mouse click. Furthermore, there is the risk posed by virus infection or Trojans.

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