theoretical question - can root's username be changed?

[V P]

On 12/2/05, Claude Jones <claude_jones at levitjames.com> wrote:
> Subject line says it all...

I just tried changing the name in /etc/passwd . The system came back
up on restart and normal users were able to login and do their normal
stuff, but "su -" failed saying "User root does not exist". Also,
su-ing the renamed root, admin by "su - admin" didn't work. It didn't
accept the passwd originally set for root. Probably the the name has
to be changed in /etc/shadow too. Rebooting into single user mode and
reverting the changes brought back the system to the initial state.
The test system was RHEL3AS.

But mikes solution to having a user with root authority is a better
solution to whatever you are trying to acheive.

vjp


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