HD Install :: Root Access to Drive?

I am preparing for a hardrive install and was wondering how to set a root password. I tried typing sudu in the xterm; but it was an unrecognized account. With su I need a password, and the change password command asks for an old password. Can anyone help me setting a root password so that I can install dsl please.

Thank you for your time,

Nevermind!!!

silly me, the install process allows the promts for the changing of the root password!

original here.