Permissions repair/ disk utility

Question

Hello:
I believe I have a permissions repair problem as but I'm not entirely sure.
I'm very untechnical and somewhat shakey on my conclusions and how to
proceed.
My computer slowed down this week after downloading freeware. I dumped all but one program. My space bar doesn't work properly as of last night, It only moves on the sides when hit hard. Most words just run together as I type.
Then today, I suddenly can't open Word documents. I forced quit and then restarted and then couldn't open PDF files either after working on the computer all day. Forced quit on Preview then couldn't open the hard drive as well. I was able to get into it through the applications icon.
Apple help suggests it's a permissions repair problem, but I'm confused. Went to disk utility and it says to install the OS X cd. I only have the PowerBook G4 Software Install and Repair disks. Are these one and the same?
I'd really appreciate any guidance on figuring this out and then how to proceed.
Thanks so much.

Answer 1

Hi Don:
Thanks for your help a couple of weeks ago. Just now attempting to solve.
Have used Mac Janitor and Cache Out X tonight and the inability to open files
on the desk top remains, as well not being able to open bookmarks in Safari in addition to having the same problem using the spacebar.
Wanted to ask some questions about your recommendations:
1) When using Cache Out X, do I want to delete Caches from the User Domain
as well as the Internet?
2) Do I launch all of the icons in Onyx? The help menu was very confusing.
3) I was unable to find Gullivers Link. Can you please explain this as well?
Additionally, while this note is correctly laid out while typing it, the preview page reveals line breaks that are not evident to me. This happens all the time
in emails. Any ideas?
Many thanks--
Beth
Welcome, there are several links available that cover
your issue as well as recommended System Maintnence.
Here they are and, all are good and all will work.
There are a few little differences. Read them and use
the software that is mentioned, they are good and
work well.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1220
21
I personally use Gullivers link and I use Macjanitor,
Cache Out X, and Onyx every week.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=196
61
Here is Apples recommendations.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303602
Good Luck
Don
PowerbookG4   Mac OS X (10.3.9)