for root permissions , install rootsh package , after that whenever u need root permission open xterminal and type sudo gainroot or sudo su if you type any command requiring root permission it willnot ask for password . so inorder to ping google.com do as follow : open xterminal type: sudo gainroot ping google.com ------------------------------ when u set the usb mode in mad developer to g_ether and plug the n900 in your pc a message will popup asking to choose pc-suite or mass storage , dont choose anything , simply tap outside the message , after doing this a window will pop up on your screen searching for a driver , if you installed maemo-pc connectivity on your pc , the driver should be present already , if you don't want to install it , u can use the driver from the usb networking wiki-windows section . sorry i missed that in my original post