Ubuntu and Policy Kit

Ubuntu includes PolicyKit which is now integrated in the administrative user interface. PolicyKit provides the finest control over permissions while enhancing usability and increasing security. This is accomplished by PolicyKit allowing applications to run under normal user permission and gain privileges dynamically for the specif operation requested. The security advantages of PolicyKit are prevalent and it is also simpler to do things like become root, something many new users comment about.

To access policy kit options select System --- Administration --- Authorizations from the Hardy Heron Gnome main menu.

Now we can see many options including the ones shown below. Simply select the action you wish to preform.

The actions options appear on the right side of the screen as shown below.

While trying to change the user settings you'll notice I can;'t select "add user". However, I can select "unlock" and the bottom of the window.

This brings up the authentication window where i will enter the root password.

After pressing authenticate you may see below that the "add user" button on the right is now available.