Terminal doesn't accept my password! It doesn't even type it!

Question

I need help can someone explain or help me to fix this.
I wanted to fix hosts file, entered the command
sudo nano /private/etc/hosts
Then Terminal shows this warning:
WARNING: Improper use of the sudo command could lead to data loss
or the deletion of important system files. Please double-check your
typing when using sudo. Type "man sudo" for more information.
To proceed, enter your password, or type Ctrl-C to abort.
Password:
When I enter my password it doesn't even type?!
as if it 'froze' or it doesn't read my typing...
Now what? Help?
if I press Ctrl -C wil it abort properly?

Answer 1

No, it's taking your password, for security it just doesn't show it on the screen when you type it. That warning is standard. sudo means you are running as "superuser" with full, unrestricted access to all the system files. You can, by typing in the wrong command, nuke your entire drive. It should be used with great care -- make sure the command you are using is fully vetted and best to copy and paste it in. Typos can be disastrous. Case and spaces are critical.
If you didn't press enter after typing in that command then, yes, do a control-c.
If a process is running, you can type in q and hit enter.
Have you gotten another $ prompt? If so, just type in "exit" and press enter, then close the window. What do you want to do in the hosts file?
If you can't get a new prompt, then open Activity Monitor in Utilities, select "all processes" select it and force quit Terminal. Control-c may, if you've started one, quit a process running in Terminal, but not Terminal itself. You can try just closing the window, then reopen it and see if there's a new prompt. If there is, then the slate is clean.
Message was edited by: WZZZ