I've had some requests in the past about access to the root password on some systems. I understand the attraction of using the root account; one gets instant access to any file on the system, without the annoying access rights problems. It's also convenient to use when installing new software, because those programs generally need to go into directories where only root can write.

Picture the root password as much like a skeleton key to a building that also opens any desk drawer or filing cabinet. Who would get that? The janitor, perhaps a building administrator, maybe one or two other people. But not everyone; as a programmer, I certainly don't need access to the private offices or records storage, for example.

Those people that get that key would need to be trusted in the first place, and in some cases they're bonded as an assurance that they won't abuse that privilege by copying personnel records in the HR office.

Background out of the way, here are the Top Ten Reasons Why You Shouldn't Log in as Root:

William is an Open-Source developer, enthusiast, and advocate from Vermont, USA.

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