Having written an uncountable number of scripts in a number of languages, I'm keenly aware of the fragility of even the best written of them. >.but you could accomplish that just as easily with rsync (and with a skillful application of launchd, your father wouldn't even need to log in and burn - that could be done automatically). an easy method to back up his home folder. >One of my reasons for enabling root is to allow my father. We'll be OK.Īt risk of drifting too far off topic, I'll follow up simply to further illustrate one convenience of an enabled root: Sometimes we grown-ups can accept a little risk for a little reward (and we have backups). The bottom line is that sometimes root is simply convenient. On the other hand, if the bogeyman is the risk of infection from trojans, worms, viruses, etc., maybe the advice should simply be to stick to the maintenance task for which you logged in as root, and stay away from the web browsing, email, and unfamiliar executables. After all, the OS and apps can always be reinstalled if they get hosed. Sure, it's marginally easier to accidentally break the system while logged in as root, but if all one really cares about is in his home folder, root is no more of a threat than one's own non-root user. Since he doesn't log into root for any other reason, he doesn't stay in root for any longer than it takes to back up, and he doesn't perform any other tasks while in root, I genuinely don't worry about him breaking something.įor that matter, I honestly don't understand the great panic about anyone enabling root. Since he's logged in as root, *every* file can be read and backed up, regardless of any odd permissions that may be encountered. Since he's logged out as his normal user, all his files-especially his FileMaker databases-are certain to be in a closed, consistent state. I have no doubt there are a number of other ways to accomplish the same task, but I'm equally sure none are as simple and reliable.
(Yes, he also has an external Time Machine disk, but that is no substitute for cheap, easily managed, self-contained backups to keep off-site.) He just right clicks and chooses the "burn" item to commit his entire home folder to DVD-R that he can file away in his safe deposit box. After logging out of his normal user, he logs in as root where he has a "burn folder" on the root desktop that contains an alias to his home folder. One of my reasons for enabling root is to allow my father, who lives out-of-state and has difficulty with complicated computer tasks, an easy method to back up his home folder. Only enable it if you are aware of the risks and know what you are doing. Warning: Enabling the root account can leave your Mac vulnerable to security threats. That's it! Make sure to re-lock the application by clicking the padlock icon.
Open Directory Utility in its new home, which is /System/Library/CoreServices.
#How to change the password on a mac for ssh on mac how to
Here's how to enable root in Snow Leopard:
Accessing the root account is disabled by default in Snow Leopard and the Directory Utility application is not available in the Utilities folder any more.
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