# Superuser Privileges

*The "root" user is the superuser account in Linux systems. Users can temporarily gain root privileges using the `sudo` command, which requires authenticaion from the user's account. The user will only have `sudo` privileges if the account is listed in the sudoers file.*

---

## Adding a User to the Sudoers File

To add a user to the sudoers file, you will need to edit the `/etc/sudoers` file. As best practice, you should use the `visudo` command to open and edit this file. Typically, you'll add a line specifying the user and their privileges, such as `username	ALL=(ALL:ALL)	ALL`. For more information about the sudoers file, visit [this resource](https://www.linuxfoundation.org/blog/blog/classic-sysadmin-configuring-the-linux-sudoers-file).

## Using the `sudo` Command

The `sudo` command allows a regular user to execute specific commands with root (superuser) privileges. Unlike switching to root entirely, `sudo` elevates privileges only for the command being run, making it a safe and auditable method of performing administatrive tasks.

### How `sudo` Works

When a user runs a command with `sudo`, they will be propmted to enter their own password. If the user is listed in the `/etc/sudoers` file, the elevated command will run.

Example:
```bash
sudo apt update
```

## Using the `su` Command

It is highly recommended that GUI interfaces not be run as root, as this can easily lead to disaster. It is best to be logged in as a normal unprivileged user and to only use `root` as required. Many commands can only be run as the `root` user. To run these commands, use the `su` command (substitute user).

The `su` command takes the following format:

```
su - <user>
```

or 

```
su <user>
```

most commonly you will use `su` to become the `root` user:

```
su - root
```
or 

```
su root
```

If no username is specified, the root user is automatically assumed. For more information on `su` checkout [this resource](https://wiki.centos.org/TipsAndTricks(2f)BecomingRoot.html) or visit the `su` [man pages](https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/su.1.html).

---
## Resources
- [Configuring the Sudoers File](https://www.linuxfoundation.org/blog/blog/classic-sysadmin-configuring-the-linux-sudoers-file): Short guide to understanding the sudoers configuration file.
- [`su` Man Pages](https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man1/su.1.html): Deep dive into the `su` command.
- [Becoming Root](https://wiki.centos.org/TipsAndTricks(2f)BecomingRoot.html): Tips and tricks to becoming `root`.