ScoobyDoo555

OK, here's a goody (although probably very simple)

Need to access the "host" file in the /etc folder in OSX

So, I've gone into the "Go to folder", and put in /etc.

The folder opens, and I can modfiy the file, but it won't let me save it.

How do I do this?

Obviously it's a hidden directory within OSX (I'm sure there's plenty of others too!), how do I modify?

Guessing it's done within the terminal....

Dan

JackClark

For the GUI junkies.

Apple - Downloads - Dashboard Widgets - HostsWidget

mike1210

Oooh nice link Jack

I used to use

pico /etc/hosts

but that makes it easier

ScoobyDoo555

Thanks

Dan

Markus

I'll chime in now I'm awake

Files in /etc/ are usually have the following permissions:

Basically meaning it's read/write to the root user, and read-only for every other user, and it's owned by the user root and the group wheel.

You can use Go To Folder to get into the /etc/ directory and open the file, and depending on what app you're using, you *might* be able to save any changes. TextEdit will probably give an error, but BBEdit should alert you to the fact you don't have permissions and usually asks for your admin name and password, so it can escalate privileges and save the file.

I normally use BBEdit to edit these files as it has an option to show you the "invisible" files/folders, or you can use the command G key combo in the open dialog and navigate to the hidden folders as you would do in the finder.

If that does not work then I'd use the Terminal and issue sudo pico /path/to/file and edit it via pico

ScoobyDoo555

"awake" - that's such a lame excuse, just because you're the other side of the world

Nice one though - really useful

Dan