The "Root" of Everything

Let's talk "root"

The concept of root is essential for any Linux beginner and those moving from Windows to Linux

Root Defined:

Root = The highest level of anything.

Different uses of the concept of root:

Root in the Linux world is used in three different ways:

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1- The "root user"

"root user" is the user with the highest level of rights on the computer.  In other words, the root user is "the system admin".   This is similar to the Windows admin user, or an administrators group.

People often say "log in as root" this literally mean to log in on your Linux box with the user name "root".

For instance when you log into your email you might type bob@hotmail.com then type your password and log in. Here bob@hotmail.com is your log-in user

Summary:
"root user" = The highest level a user can have on the computer.
"log in as root" = log in with the user name root

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2- Root of the Operating System (OS)

"root of the OS" is the highest level in the folder structure on the hard drive.  For example "C:/".

In Windows 7 you can get to the root (C:/) by clicking on "Computer" then
root of the OS is the "Default (C:)" under "Hard Disk Drives."

In Windows XP this was called "My Computer"

Summary
"root of the OS" = "C:/"

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3- The root of the user

"root of the user" is the home folder for that user. This has application settings, photos, docs, etc.
the "root" for any user is the "home" directory or folder for that user

Summary:
"root of the user" = the home folder

finis