Question : The operation can't be completed.....

Several days ago I began to experience two problems which I feel are related due to an upgrade on the Mac O/S.  Since I'm new on the Mac, I can't be sure of anything.
1) For the first time I am unable to export or save my Firefox, Safari or Chrome bookmarks to my Mac hard drive.  No error message, just no export or saving of the file.
2) When trying to copy or move files from one folder to another I get the following error message: "The operation can't be completed because you don't have permission to modify some items.  I was able to copy and move files until several days ago.  I looked at my sharing settings and they seem to be ok.
I can copy or move files but it's more dragging than using the file move or copy dialog box, or right click.  I move or copy the file to my desktop, and then I can drag it to the new folder.  As I stated before, I am totally new to the Mac O/S.  I don't know how to change the configuration files, etc.

Answer : The operation can't be completed.....

I tried running Repair Permissions using the Disk Utility.  Unfortunately it did not work.

However, I found the solution myself with a reference from somewhere on the Apple Support Website.  I don't remember exactly where because I had done so many searches and tried so many things that the exact source on Apple's website remains a mystery.

As a newbie I apologize for not knowing exactly the source.  I went into System Preferences, Sharing, File Sharing, and in Shared Folders I "right-clicked" and was given a choice to "apply permissions to enclosed items."  Once I did that the problem went away.
I guess I'm somewhat disappointed in the Mac OS because the problem solution was within the Sharing Preferences, but nowhere was there a simple instruction to "apply permissions to enclosed items," whatever that means.
Thanks for your assistance because it got me to think about Permissions, File Sharing, etc.
David