By default, Ubuntu are using sudo by a sudoer to issue a root-only command rather than using root user. Sometimes it is annoying while you are configuring your Ubuntu box by typing sudo and password on every (root-only) command that you type.
You can activate the root user (and setup/change root password) using the following command:
aryo@ubuntu:~$ sudo su - [sudo] password for aryo: root@ubuntu:~# passwd Enter new UNIX password: Retype new UNIX password: passwd: password updated successfully root@ubuntu:~# root@ubuntu:~# root@ubuntu:~# exit logout aryo@ubuntu:~$ su - Password: root@ubuntu:~#
Then you may login as root using newly entered password and issue “root-only” command without being bothered by sudo and password on every command you type.
There is a better way to be root user without activating the root user itself if you are one of the sudoers. Just execute:
aryo@ubuntu:~$ sudo -i Password: root@ubuntu:~#
and enter your own password, you’re now root!