Root

Root access is used for administrative functions on a Linux/Unix (aka *NIX, or POSIX) based system. Just as the root of the filesystem is the place where all other folders are mounted, the term root is derived from the fact that all other accounts stem from this account,

How to gain root access

When using the access to the root account, you have full control over the system. It is a standard practice to limit this access as it is not necessary to have control over the entire system for most tasks. However, when root access is needed on a *NIX system, the user who elevates his/her permissions is generally asked for a password for authentication purposes.

Sudo

To gain temporary root access type sudo into your terminal:

sudo  (your command here)

Persistant Sudo

To gain root shell without setting a permanent password:

sudo bash

Switching to the Root Account

To switch to the root account without authenticating with root credentials:

sudo su

Enabling the Root Account login authentication

Enabling the root account is not recommended. This places a major security hole in your system when connected to a network. Malicious users will generally attempt to gain root access as a first attempt to log in. Do not set the password as "root"

To gain root access type the following into your terminal:

sudo passwd root

• select a password

Your root is now enabled. You can now log in to XBMC as Root with the password you selected.