I have to be root to create links using Konqueror - why?
 

When I try (in Konqueror) to create a Link to Application to make Kwrite open a file (a plain text file) in another folder (both owned by me), I can't unless I'm root, so I have to open the Konqueror root profile. Even after I create the link there, it can't be used except as root, even after I chown to me. Why can't I create links as myself? If that's a changeable setting, where do I change it?

This seems to be a problem only in Konqueror (and maybe other file managers in the GUI?). I can avoid it by entering "ln -s [target]" in a terminal. Is it because I've been creating the wrong type of link?

I have to admit I'm puzzled. I'm not clear on what you mean by "creating links in Konqueror"? Are you referring to file associations, bookmarks, or what? Perhaps clearing that up would help.

Sorry. I meant opening a Konqueror window, right-clicking on a blank area, and selecting "create new link to [file, application, or device]." I thought it was going to accomplish the same thing as ln -s in a terminal. The problem occurs only in Konqueror: if I make the link from a Konqueror window, the link will be owned by root. Or...that was happening. Now I can't even duplicate the problem.

There is something else I hadn't mentioned yet (because I was considering one problem at a time). When I use Konqueror to create a link to a file, it creates only a useless file called "[filename].desktop" that contains
I assume the problem here involves my inadequate understanding of links...

I had never tried that, so I just did. I can understand your puzzlement at the result.

I ended up having to read up on it in the Konqueror help; it definitely is not equivalent to the ln command, but rather specific to Konqueror as a browser/file manager.

Help-->Konqueror Manual-->Konqueror-->Konqueror the File Manager-->Create New
(whew!!)