I just upgraded to Lion (10.7.2) from 10.6.6. Everything seems to have gone smoothly, with one oddity; and I don't know if this is a "feature" or a hiccup.

The only account on this computer is mine, set as an administrator (there is also the Guest account that Lion creates). Whenever I move an item (folder, application) out of the Application or Utilities folder (which is inside the App folder) it moves to its destination as an alias only. When I move something into the folder I am asked to authenticate. I can Command-Delete to move something directly to the Trash with neither of the preceding taking place.

I did repair permissions after the Lion install, but did permissions on the Applications folder get messed up? Fix?

What you cite is a feature. It's Apple's new way -- trying to protect the Applications Folder. But, I'm told, if you want to move an app out of Lion's Applications Folder just drag it and then hit the Command key. Then the app gets moved -- and no alias gets created.

Right you are! Thank you very much.