You should be able to read files in /etc or other directories like that. You just can't write to them without being root (sudo). Most of the time you should be able to forget about sudo.
Don't worry: I know perfectly well that…
But since "mma -V" writes temporary files where mmarc is, …
@piteur: No problem. I recall having some initial problems getting the hang of MMA. But it is worth to spend the effort.
I agree with you. Especially since I take great pleasure in discovering MMA.
As for using sudo: if you use sudo to run an application that you do not (yet) know you are really in for trouble. Never ever use sudo to run anything unless you know exactly what you are doing.
Tip well received! But MMA is already a friend!