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Run Two Finders, One as Root.

In Linux, just about every window manager allows you to open a file browser as Root for the copying of protected files. Ryan Meek has found a way to do this in MacOS X. In MacOS X, the Finder is the file browser and Ryan has devised a way to launch two Finders, one with root access!

To set up your computer to run two Finders at the same time, one Finder being the root Finder, is easy. First you need to make a copy of the Finder. (The Finder can be found in System/Library/CoreServices.)

Once you located the Finder you need to duplicate it. Move the duplicated Finder wherever you want, rename it to something like "root finder", and change the icon. Then put the new Finder into the dock. This will allow you to switch back and fourth between Finders.

Next, download a program called Skeleton Key which allows you to run the new Finder as root. Put skeleton key into the dock. Then all you have to do is drag the Root Finder onto the Skeleton Key icon in the dock, type in your administer username and password and there you go.

You may want to change the root Finders background so you don't get confused as to which you are using. To quit the root Finder just press "option+command+escape" and force quit the root Finder. Note: if you have a window open in either of the Finders you may not be able to switch between them. Just close the windows to switch.

Very cool. Apple needs to add this feature to the OS. Management of a server is much more difficult when you are constantly having to log in and out to gain a root file manager. Thanks Ryan for the tip on Skeleton Key. I had not heard of it before.