04-13-2004, 11:29 AM

Hello all. I just got my first Powerbook G4 and OS X. I come from a mixed world of linux and winders. Very pleased thus far with this computer. But I do have a question.

Upon a first install of unix when you go to the terminal and try to run the "locate" command you get this:

locate:: no database file /var/db/locate.database

I get that on my new mac too. In unix it is easy to login as root and run "updatedb", then you are all done. However, when I run that on my Mac I get updatedb command noty found. What do I need to do? Is there a super user account? or am I thinking too linux and not enough Mac?

Thanks,
Dave

04-13-2004, 11:43 AM

Do a man on the locate command. It should be able to find the command that will create the databse that you need.

if you are trying to find where certain commands are located. You can try whereis and whence. I know these work on other favors of unix.

04-13-2004, 11:52 AM

Well I found this on another forum:

sudo /usr/libexec/locate.updatedb

then the locate command works. It creates the "library"

good suggestions, I am just so used to the locate command, I don't know why but I am.......

Great forums by the way!

04-13-2004, 07:06 PM

there is definenlty a super user account you have to set up manually...but I've forgotten how...haven't done it..and until I learn more about unix..I won't...I can do everything I need with the administrator account....

04-13-2004, 07:11 PM

updatedb is a Linux cron command - in Slackware - if that is the command you want you use (switching to root - superuser) sudo sh /etc/daily > this needs to be done /weekly (instead of daily) and monthly. again with all apps closed. to enable the root user: Open NetInfo Manager, located in Applications > Utilities.
Choose Security > Enable Root User and type a password for the root account. You may need to type an administrator password to make these changes.
Choose Apple menu > Log Out.
Choose Other in the Login window, type root in the Name field, and the root password in the Password field.Remember root can do anything so you can fubar your system (I'm sure you this) and never be on line