Ubuntu CD's for Free

[Michael Hipp]

Collins Richey wrote:

> I did the basic install, but the install never created a user other
> than root, and the idiots disable root (no login with or without
> password), so I couldn't complete the after reboot portion of the
> install. Rather than fix the password file from a CD boot, I just said
> screw it.

This is by design. And there is nothing in the root account being disabled 
that prevents you from accomplishing the full install. The disabled root 
account is one of the most often discussed features of Ubuntu.

Their FAQ:
http://www.ubuntulinux.org/support/documentation/faq/root

An excellent, objective explanation of this approach and its pros and cons:
http://www.ubuntulinux.org/wiki/RootSudo

I'm not sure if I personally like this approach. But their reasons for it are 
solid. In any event it's easy enough to undo for those who wish to.

Michael