Root login to SSH possible/necessary?

[rollinj]

I'm a bit confused.. I logged into my server via SSH (using putty) and tried to edit the httpd.conf file as mentioned in this post: [webmasterworld.com...]

Yet when I try to edit the httpd.conf file (or change it's name/move it/etc..) I'm told "access denied" or something along those lines.. Why is that? How else can I edit it? I tried logging in using my server's root user/pass as well? Thanks in advance!

[techrealm]

Are you on a dedicated or shared server?
What OS server / Version is it?
When you do a "ls -la" on the file name what are the results?
Is this a Plesk or control panel type of server? IE you can edit things via http://www.example.com:8443 :10000 or the like?

[rollinj]

Thanks for your quick reply! I had an even quicker one from theplanet's support staff however (damn they're good!) and they assured me I needed to login to the main domain via the server's root password.

I am on my own dedicated box running redhat linux I believe. Thanks for your quick response T!

[rocknbil]

You do not have to be logged in as user root via SSH to do this, in fact that is a very bad idea.

You do, however, have to change users once logged in OR make use of sudo su (pseudo superuser) to modify system files. Your system admin can add you to the sudo'ers files, it will also require a password.

[rollinj]

Well since I own this server.. I assume I'm the system admin?

You do not have to be logged in as user root via SSH to do this, in fact that is a very bad idea.

Why is that may I ask? Is it because user/pass is unencrypted while in transit or something? I tried to login as the root and now you've got my worried!?