[ Thanks to Baiju
Thakkar for this link. ]
“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.”
Warning: Humor Ahead