> Maybe someone else knows of something else out there that > will do a descent job of explaining in real understandable language, > what are permissions and how to use them. Sorry to have you all read > this far and then to wham let you down. Next time you are in Tokyo, > I'll treat some beers -- know of some good places.
As of 10.2, this is largely addressed by either Netinfo or Disk Utility's "Repair Privileges" function. In 10.1.x, there is an Apple utility called "Repair Privileges" that does the same thing. Print Center Repair pretty much covers what's left. In a *few* situations and for users comfortable with the idea, there are times where it's easier/faster to sudo something, or log in as root and make a quick change. In two years of OS X ownership, I've only had to do this once -- a client had bought a machine that already had it's admin user set (a floor model from the local CompUSA). I found it easiest to log in as root, locate the setting file Apple uses to flag NOT running the "welcome" program, delete that and the admin user account, and restart. I'm not saying you can never use root -- I'm saying that there is usually some other way to deal with the problem. The kind of situations where one absolutely must have root access to fix are GENERALLY caused by someone ALREADY having root access. Root is dangerous because a mistake can make things MUCH worse, therefore it's worth repeating that root should not be your first (or seventh, for that matter) option, it should be approached with caution, and (my point) Apple made it difficult to use root ON PURPOSE -- but they did not make it impossible for those people who understand the risk but need the power on a short-term basis. _Chas_ Come to ... The CHASbah! http://thechasbah.blogspot.com **Go see BOWLING FOR COLUMBINE. It may change your life.** -- The iMac List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | - Epson Stylus Color 580 Printers - new at $69 | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> iMac List info: <http://lowendmac.com/imac/list.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:imac-list@;mail.maclaunch.com> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:imac-list-off@;mail.maclaunch.com> For digest mode, email: <mailto:imac-list-digest@;mail.maclaunch.com> Subscription questions: <mailto:listmom@;lemlists.com> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/imac-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> --------------------------------------------------------------- >The Think Different Store http://www.ThinkDifferentStore.com ---------------------------------------------------------------
