i new to linux so i just installed fedora code 2 which was the easy part. getting this whole thing to work is pretty hard. first of all i don't know what su and how to get there and either what a root. I know this is basic stuff but i really have no idea what it is. once you helped me of that i just cant seem to install anything b/c i dont know how. i have been reading those linux manuals but nothing seems to work for me

'root' is the user name of the super-user. su is the command you use to switch to another user. You need to then enter the password of that user.

The root user runs with the same permissions as the kernel, and can manipulate every file in the system. Only su to root when you need to perform administrative duties, like installing new software.

You can enter 'man su' or 'info su' for more info.

Here is a tip which may make reading the manpages easier for you.
enter 'info:<command name>' in the application launcher when using kde. This will launch an info or man-page on the konqueror web browser. The format seems easier to read, to me anyway.

You can also enter the same thing in the address bar of the konqueror web browser.