Shouldn't the permissions on /var/spool/texmf/ls-R be writable by all users of LaTeX?
I get the following output when compiling a LaTeX document: mktextfm: /var/spool/texmf/tfm/jknappen/ec/ecsi1200.tfm: successfully generated. /usr/share/texmf/web2c/mktexupd: /var/spool/texmf/ls-R unwritable. Johann -- J.H. Spies - Tel. 021-982 2694 / 082 782 0336 / 021-808 4036(w) Posbus 4668, Tygervallei 7536 "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord...Be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." James 5:7,8