can't write to /var/folders

[Robert.Broome at SoftHome.net]

I have already received helpful feedback and want to thank D. Nicholls.
when i compile as root, sudo gfortran etc.
this works. The resulting executable is owned by root however.

So as expected the problem is permissions. I don't know how to make a call
to gfortran work properly as a user.
Any experts out there that can explain what is needed?

thanks
RBroome