I am an Ubuntu/Linux noob. There are many questions I have regarding the use of my system as a server. First and foremost is security. I want to install a simple GUI (zPanel appears the most user friendly) that will allow others to log into the server and database with ease, similar to a hosting service, though my intent is for the development of one site. Upon looking at the instructions of numerous GUI's, they require installation as root. This makes me uneasy, as my thoughts spiral to the possibilities of the developers creating the elusive 'back-door', thereby giving them root access to my entire system. Am I just being paranoid or is that theoretically possible? If it is possible, what steps are necessary to ensure security?