[NEWBIE] Error - Search for program: no such file or directory, ls

[Robert Pollard]

Hello all,

I have the error indicated in the Subject when I execute C-x C-f and 
try get a directory listing.  The same occurs when I enter dired and 
try to get a directory listing.  I have an idea of what needs to be 
done but I don't know what to do it with.  The last time I saw 
something like this I had to set a variable to tell it where the 
executable was.  I assume a variable of some type is not set up 
correctly.
Whatever it is I would appreciate a pointer in the right direction.

OS:          Mac OS X 10.2.6
EMacs: 21.3.50.1

Thanks,

Robert Pollard