I usually verify disc permissions at least once a month on my iMac. Almost every time, there are some disc premissions that need repaired. So after this scan I will run repair permissions to fix them. Which always works. I guess my question is, what causes these permission not to be in synch? I just run the normal stuff (word documents, Internet, e-mail, etc.). Any assistance explaining this would be deeply appreciated.

May God bless.

Ed:)

There is no real explanation.. other than just using your computer will cause the issue..
if a program hangs or improperly closes, not to mention installation of new applications and so on..

its like driving, even though you did not off road with your car after a period of time you do need to do an alignment.

I would also recommend disk repair after you do the permissions repair. [ boot from the recovery partition - then you will be able to repair ]
i do that once a month at least.