3 Rootly Powers
Every file and process on a UNIX system is owned by a particular user account. Other users can’t access these objects without the owner’s permission, so this convention helps to protect users against each other’s misdeeds, both intentional and accidental.
System files and processes are owned by a fictitious user called “root”, also known as the superuser. As with any account, root’s property is protected against interference from other users. To make administrative changes, you’ll need to use one of the methods of accessing the root account described in this chapter.
The root account has several “magic” properties. Root can ...
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