[ALUG] Eee and root

To install a program I presume I have to be root. I can't remember ever giving the Eee a root password, nor for that matter, ever being asked for one. I want to put a link to Thunderbird on the 'Internet' page, but I can't drag the icon (kicking and screaming, or not), nor can I copy and paste the icon. Unfortunately, I've filed the book of destructions 'somewhere safe'... HELLLLLP! -- Tony