Because Linux is a multi user platform every user has to be "registered" with the system to enable them to log on.
During the Linux installation you will be asked to choose a password for the system administrator (root), & depending on the
distribution & type of installation, a second normal user. It is important to create this normal user because the user
root has the administration rights to do ANYTHING he wants without being asked twice! Use this root user very carefully,
Linux presumes that you know what you're doing & will carry out your commands accordingly, whether this is correct or not.
It is always a good idea to log in as a normal user & if a particular situation requires it then "update" your login to root.
By typing su (super user) & then at the prompt entering the root password,
you be logged in as root & can then carry out the tasks required. To leave just type exit or push [Ctrl] + [D].
It's a good idea to get used to this type as login process,
I had killed my machine several times in the first few weeks by using root incautiously :o) It also plays a big security
role when logging into a Linux machine from a remote computer, more to this on the ssh daemon page.
After logging in you will land in your "home" directory where some of the necessary binaries (executable programme files) are
kept that you will need as a user. In this home directory you have the permission to do almost anything you like, create, erase,
compile (install), execute..... (restricted to non system administration tasks if you're logged in as a normal user).
To change the password for your current login just type passwd & enter a new password at the prompt.
