Top ten reasons not to use root access

I've had some requests in the past about access to the root password on some systems. I understand the attraction of using the root account; one gets instant access to any file on the system, without the annoying access rights problems. It's also convenient to use when installing new software, because those programs generally need to go into directories where only root can write.

Picture the root password as much like a skeleton key to a building that also opens any desk drawer or filing cabinet. Who would get that? The janitor, perhaps a building administrator, maybe one or two other people. But not everyone; as a programmer, I certainly don't need access to the private offices or records storage, for example.