i dont know how to do this. I am using xandros so i dont now if it is even possible. if so, when i try to open a root shell it says password:. text doesnt show when i enter it. when enter is pressed, it returns to the user/home> shell. damn im a newb.
thanx

When you see a # you are root

repo@cannabis:~$ su
Password:
cannabis:/home/repo#

whoami also gives you some indication

Or you could use sudo
sudo useradd

The text never shows when you type in a password.

Try this....

The brackets [ ] indicate your input. Do not include the brackets in the command.
This will add your user name plus add the user to the following groups: disk,cdrom,plugdev,wheel,sys,lp. Each group gives or denies the user permission to a specific part of the operating system or device. To see all the groups try: less /etc/group

disk - gives the user access to disk drives.
cdrom - same
plugdev- I beleive plug-dev are usb devices.
wheel - you may not want to add for security reasons.
lp - enables access to hp-toolbox for printers and scanners.

The, -d /home/[user name]/, creates a personal directory for your user in the /home/ directory.

-s /bin/bash enables you to use the bash command line as default. Google bash linux



hope this helps

man useradd
man adduser