Single Package User instead of Package UserS
 

I have read the guide on Package Users but I had a different thought and wanted to see what other peoples opinions were. I am not trying to suggest that there is anything wrong with package users and I do not want to get into a debate about that. I have also spent a good deal of time looking at various ways to manage packages installed from source but I have not come across any that suggest doing what I propose here so I fear there must be something wrong with trying to do this.

So instead of using a different user to install each package why not install a package using some user X and then after the package is installed search for all files owned by user X and make a list. Then change all of those files owned by user X to root. You can then keep the list and use it to remove the package at a later date.

What kinda gotchas might I run into with this plan? What's your opinion? Will I run into allot of packages that wont install like this? I am not interested in other ways to manage packages here, just wether or not this is a good or bad idea.

Thanks

I debated between placing this post in the LFS or general linux as it could apply to any distro. Sorry if I put it in the wrong place.

Most packages are installed and maintained by root for the benefit of all users. It is possible for a user to install a package for himself which cannot be used by other users but this is the exception, not the rule. So if you download a package to be used by all users then install that package as root.

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Steve Stites

The package users method is an elegant solution to the problem of building and installing linux from scratch. You will keep most of the build & installation issues that traditionally accompany the package users method and you will lose the benefits of each package having their own home directories, login scripts, groups, etc.