In a Linux installation, the administrator is known as root and usually has it’s own password. Most operations that need root privileges will ask you for the root password or if you are working on the command line, you would swap to root for a time by typing su (for Super User) and then the password. This gives an element of protection and security to the system.You are advised not to work as root under normal operating circumstances. This is one of the ways that Linux helps protect you from virus infections and other problems.

Ubuntu is a little different and you need to understand the differences if you are to get the best from your system. When Ubuntu Linux is first installed, a normal user account is set up along with a password. When certain operations are attempted – for example going to synaptic package manager – you will be asked for your password. This is your normal user password. If you are working on the command line some operations will require su type privileges. In these instances you need to type sudo before the command and you will again be asked for the password. If you need to have a dedicated root account there is a way of setting one up, but for normal use you wouldn’t need that.