Enabling Automatic Login in Ubuntu 05/05/10

Harvey from the U.S. asks:

“…Just upgraded to 10.04, so am having to log in each time the computer suspends/screen locks. I am the only one with physical access to this computer, so prefer to configure so that password is *not* required to bring the screen back up after suspend. How do I configure this change? Have been unable to find answer on this site or via GoogleLinux…”

I never turn passwords off as this poses a potential security risk. You may be the only one using your PC, but I’ll bet that you surf the Internet? If so, turning the password requirement off is almost like hanging a “help yourself” sign on your PC. Because, (unless I’m mistaken?) no password would be required to install things on your PC, leaving sites you visit the potential to install good and “bad” things on your PC.

Nevertheless, have you tried the following commands in a terminal?

sudo visudo
%admin ALL=(ALL) ALL
%admin ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: ALL

I’d suggest a better way to go is to enable the Automatic Login feature for Ubuntu. You can do it this way (using the GUI):

System -> Administration -> Login Window
Enter your root password at the prompt.
Select the “Security” tab.
Check on “Enable Automatic Login”.
Use the dropdown menu to select your username.
Click the “Close” button and you’re done.

I hope this helps you!