Authenticate for Everything

Thanks Cornelius but I was not online. This never happens before. Its even making me authenticate when I want to move something to the trash. It's like some setting changed without me knowing. How can I, with my administrative privileges, modify the Application folder back again so this won't happen. Ken.

Cornelius, another more serious wrinkle to this problem. When I drag an app that I want to install, into the Application folder (having to authenticate again), then double click on the program to begin the installation I am getting the following window "STOP" Unable to unarchive (whatever app) into "/Applications". Temporary directory cannot be created". Then I click "ok" to close the window. This began when I began to have all those authentication problems. Something is certainly wrong, just began today. How can I fix this? Thanks again, Ken.

Cornelius, just fixed the problem!! For a Mac newbie, I am quite content with myself. I went to Disk Utility, ran the "Repair Disk Permissions" function, took about 10 minutes, there was plenty wrong, many repairs, all is working well again. Now I can right click on my PS/2 mouse, click on copy this app from whatever folder, then open the Applications folder, click edit, then click paste, the app appears in the Applications folder without authentication, then the install happens without problem. Some, not many programs require authentication to install + delete. Only moving files to the trash from the Applications folder were requiring constant authentication with the problem I was having. The only other time I was having problems moving apps from the applications folder to the trash is if the app was locked, so I go to Get Info, unlock it, then no problem. Thanks, Ken.

Thanks Cornelius, I am even surprising myself at how I am learning this Mac stuff. I think I will run both the Verify + Repair Disk Permissions on a regular basis, probably excellent preventive maintenance. You + this forum are a superb resource, I never feel alone when I get a Mac problem, keep up the great work. Thanks again, Ken.

Cornelius. I only have the 10 gig Maxtor that came with computer, of that 5.56 gigs are free, quite remarkable when you think how much software I am installing (eg. Open Office, the Gimp) both large programs. Also, just for extra security, I am using, on a regular basis, ClamXav, it's free why not!! I will begin backing up, perhaps with my dvd burner (have installed Burn23u.zip which sees my burner). I can backup everything to a single dvd-rw. In that case, do I just right click on the Mac "C" drive icon on the desktop, then click "copy", then "paste" in the burner software, then burn the dvd-rw? I won't be making many changes so that one big backup will suffice for quite awhile. Then when necessary, I can burn another backup + erase the original, just keep up with it that way. Thanks, Ken.

I spoke too soon Cornelius. My iMac will not support my DVD Burner. The various Mac burning softwares (eg: BurnX Free) recognises my burner but says it doesn't exist when it actually comes time to burn. I got Toast Titanium 6 to start burning, but while copying data to the cache came up with an error, then quit. My burner is an LG HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-H10A. I just wrote to LG to see if there was either a Mac driver or some burning software that might solve the problem. I guess there is no Norton Ghost for Mac, I use it on my PC works great. I'll wait to hear from LG. Thanks, Ken.

Cornelius, without starting another topic (I am busy with other things), I know what to do. Yes I tried Patchburn, also Disk Utility, neither were successful. What I forgot to mention is that I have 3 gigs of Mac Panther software on a DVD-RW, which I burnt on my PC, also many pictures, mp3's, videos etc. on other storage media (cd, dvd). When I attach my LG DVD to the iMac with a disc in it, the icon appears on the desktop, so when I double click it, the disc opens on my desktop allowing me to copy anything to the iMac. Even if I ever had to re-install Panther, I can always copy my Mac software from the dvd to the Applications folder, then re-install, which in the Mac is very simple, quick. Also if I create new stuff on the Mac that I want to safely keep, I can always copy this material to my USB key, which works perfectly on the iMac, then burn it to my existing or new storage media on my PC. So I am, essentially, protecting everything now without formally burning a dvd on my iMac. I think that solves the problem!! If I eventually make the switch to Mac permanent, my iMac G3/400 is more than enough computer for me now (so quiet with no fan!!), Panther is the equivalent of XP in the PC realm ( I am currently running Win98SE with great success on my PC). My Mac interest is growing everytime I boot up my iMac. Thanks, Ken.

Cornelius, your approval of my approach satisfies me greatly. FYI + those in the group, I got a reply from LG. They neither supply drivers or support for the Mac OS. Interesting from such a large, prominent, quality maker of cd/dvd equipment, something Apple ought to negotiate with them, just one of the few reasons why Mac is not fully competitive in the mass computer market. Take care, Ken.