root password

im using the terminal to try and log in as "root" by using the command "su"

When it asks me for a password, the password i used when i first booted up osx does not work. How do i get this password that i was never asked to set?

Does your account have administrative privileges? That could be your problem.

i think it should do.. i just use the account that i set up when i first turned my macbook on and set it up

it is your admin password, the password you used when you first set up OS X.

Are you sure you are entering it correctly? it IS cAsE sensitive.

im quite sure that the password i set up when i first set up OSX is not working

I believe root is disabled by default. The first user you created is the administrator, and he uses sudo to do root-like things. This gives you root access to do things for a short duration. You use the password for that administrative (you) user.

For example

% sudo vi /etc/some/file.conf

It asks you for password, then you have the permission to edit such and such root-owned file.

Best practice is to not enable root. You can, but the UNIX security weenies will taunt you.

just to second what walkerj stated. the root account is not enable. But as was stated you can use the sudo command. This protects you from doing major damage to your system.

ok thanks