How do I set up the permissions that my users can install/use software? I have mozilla installed and I cant use it unless I am logged in as root. I tried downloading and installing mozilla in my user directory but it wont let me install it. I get permission denied error. I am using vector/slack and using iceWM. thanks in advance

use the chmod command....

chmod xyz /a_file_or_directory

where x is the number code of access rights for the files owner
where y is the number code of access rights for users in the owners work-group
where z is the number code of access rights for all other users....

1 = execute
2 = write
4 = read

add them together to combine access rights...
so 4+2+1 = 7 = read write and execute.
4+1 = read and execute but not write
ect ect ect...

anyway.

cd into the mozilla directory, and issue the following commands as root.

chown -r root ./
chmod 755 -R ./

that will make root the owner of all the files in that directory.
give root read write and execute access.
and normal users read and execute access.

Also, if your /home directory is mounted on its own partition, that you add 'exec' to the partition's options in fstab

I changed the permissions but it still doesnt work. I dont get anything when i try to launch MozillaFirebird as a regular user. I also tried by setting permissions at 777 on that directory..still nothing

try using the full file path in your command. For example
/where/you/extracted/MozillaFirebird/MozillaFirebird

run the program in a command line terminal,
and post the error messages.

and undo the chmod 777 with chmod 755
777 is a security risk.... a virus or some maliciouse code could fiddle with the
mozilla binarys and do all kinds of bad things.

but if it is a persmissinos problem, what i said will fix it.
make sure you pass the -R parameter....

try again like this (as root)

chmod -R 755 /usr/MozillaFirebird/

(change the path for whereveryou installed mozilla)

if the problem is permissions, then that will fix it...
but like i said, run in terminal and post the error messages.

doesnt work.

There is no output in terminal or i would have posted it and I am aware about security risk associated with 777 permissions. I have no idea whats going on..

so....
you run mozilla, and u dont get any permision error messages or anything....
it just gives you anouther line to enter a command ?

strange !

ok.... make sure you have strace installed, and lets see if we can get any output from that.

strace -o ~/ERROR.LOG /path/to/mozilla/Mozillafirebird

post the contents of ERROR.LOG
or just the interesting parts if its too large.