Root access

(link to how to enable extras...)
(Securing root access is only applicable with SSH. Add "why?" section)
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Having [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_user root] access is an important step for users interested in modifying their tablets as without it, you wont have the necessary permissions to make those modifications. Unfortunately, root access is disabled by default on new tablets. Thankfully, the steps to enable root access are simple.
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Having [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_user root] access is an important step for users interested in modifying things "under the covers" of their tablets; without it, you wont have the necessary permissions to make those modifications. Unfortunately, root access is disabled by default on new tablets. Thankfully, the steps to enable root access are simple.
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== Why do I want root? ==
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root access is ''not'' required to install additional applications through Application Manager, open X Terminal or use your tablet in day-to-day operation.
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If you want to edit the underlying system configuration, install applications ''through the command line'' or other low-level tasks, you ''will'' require root access.
== easyroot ==
== easyroot ==
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<small>''Note: As easyroot is the simplest option, and does not require a desktop computer or running additional services, it is the recommended method for gaining root access.''</small>
Install [http://nitapps.com/dists/chinook/user/binary-armel/easyroot_1.0-4_armel.deb easyroot] from [http://nitapps.com/ nitapps.com].
Install [http://nitapps.com/dists/chinook/user/binary-armel/easyroot_1.0-4_armel.deb easyroot] from [http://nitapps.com/ nitapps.com].
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# Use the root password that the OpenSSH package asked you to enter to log in (in ancient OS versions you had to use the factory default "rootme" password).
# Use the root password that the OpenSSH package asked you to enter to log in (in ancient OS versions you had to use the factory default "rootme" password).
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== R&amp;D Mode ==
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=== Securing root access ===
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<small>''Note: As R&D mode has other side effects beyond simply enabling root access (including several that can negatively impact battery life), it is ''not'' the recommended method for gaining root access. Use [[#easyroot|easyroot]] instead.</small>
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You can enable the Research &amp; Development mode (R&amp;D or RD mode, which enables you to execute <code>sudo gainroot</code> to get a root shell, simply follow the setup steps for flashing covered in [[Upgrading_tablet_OS#Flashing_your_Nokia_tablet|Upgrading tablet OS]], then execute
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sudo ./flasher-3.0 --enable-rd-mode -R
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You are now in R&D mode, and the sudo gainroot script's check will be satisfied.
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== Securing root access ==
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At this point you should have gained root access to your device, and be looking at the root prompt:
At this point you should have gained root access to your device, and be looking at the root prompt:
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You still need to secure the root account ("rootme" is a terrible password).
You still need to secure the root account ("rootme" is a terrible password).
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=== Change root password ===
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==== Change root password ====
<small>''Note: The OpenSSH requires that the root password be set as part of its installation process, if you have installed OpenSSH you have already completed this step''</small>
<small>''Note: The OpenSSH requires that the root password be set as part of its installation process, if you have installed OpenSSH you have already completed this step''</small>
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When asked, input your [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Password_strength new password] twice.
When asked, input your [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Password_strength new password] twice.
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== R&amp;D Mode ==
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<small>''Note: As R&D mode has other side effects beyond simply enabling root access (including several that may negatively impact battery life), it is ''not'' the recommended method for gaining root access. Use [[#easyroot|easyroot]] instead.</small>
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You can enable the Research &amp; Development mode (R&amp;D or RD mode, which enables you to execute <code>sudo gainroot</code> to get a root shell, simply follow the setup steps for flashing covered in [[Upgrading_tablet_OS#Flashing_your_Nokia_tablet|Upgrading tablet OS]], then execute
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sudo ./flasher-3.0 --enable-rd-mode -R
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You are now in R&D mode, and the sudo gainroot script's check will be satisfied.
[[Category:Users]]
[[Category:Users]]
[[Category:Wiki page of the day]]
[[Category:Wiki page of the day]]

Revision as of 07:49, 1 July 2008

Having root access is an important step for users interested in modifying things "under the covers" of their tablets; without it, you wont have the necessary permissions to make those modifications. Unfortunately, root access is disabled by default on new tablets. Thankfully, the steps to enable root access are simple.

Contents

Why do I want root?

root access is not required to install additional applications through Application Manager, open X Terminal or use your tablet in day-to-day operation.

If you want to edit the underlying system configuration, install applications through the command line or other low-level tasks, you will require root access.

easyroot

Note: As easyroot is the simplest option, and does not require a desktop computer or running additional services, it is the recommended method for gaining root access.

Install easyroot from nitapps.com.

Then, from the shell, run root. This will give you a root shell.

OpenSSH

  1. Enable Extras (if you haven't already).
  2. Install OpenSSH (client and server).
  3. SSH into your tablet as root
    • For local access, run ssh root@localhost
    • For remote access, run ssh root@tablet's ip address
  4. Use the root password that the OpenSSH package asked you to enter to log in (in ancient OS versions you had to use the factory default "rootme" password).

Securing root access

At this point you should have gained root access to your device, and be looking at the root prompt:

#

However, if your Wi-Fi network is not password protected, so might anyone else near you who has Wi-Fi, SSH and a clue.

You still need to secure the root account ("rootme" is a terrible password).

Change root password

Note: The OpenSSH requires that the root password be set as part of its installation process, if you have installed OpenSSH you have already completed this step

To change root password (as root user):

passwd

When asked, input your new password twice.

R&D Mode

Note: As R&D mode has other side effects beyond simply enabling root access (including several that may negatively impact battery life), it is not the recommended method for gaining root access. Use easyroot instead.

You can enable the Research & Development mode (R&D or RD mode, which enables you to execute sudo gainroot to get a root shell, simply follow the setup steps for flashing covered in Upgrading tablet OS, then execute

sudo ./flasher-3.0 --enable-rd-mode -R

You are now in R&D mode, and the sudo gainroot script's check will be satisfied.