how to grant users permission to install and run software?

ringding · 10-17-2007, 02:40 PM

Hi all,
yes very new to linux...my question is this:

I have RHEL4 and I want a user to be able to install and run a couple programs....also to create files/folders but only be able to delete or change files and folders he creates. W/out root access.

I assume the software will be installed in /usr directory but right now the user does not have permission to create files/folders there.

Should I just install the software he is going to be using in his "home" directory?

Dinithion · 10-17-2007, 02:51 PM

Well, I have never tried this so I'm not sure it will work. Either way I woundn't recommend doing it.

If you change groupowner on /usr, /etc, /include, /var, /lib and /bin to poweruser (Or another selvmade group) and set sticky mode to those directories (To prevent powerusers to delete application installed by someone else). It would seem to me to work.

Is there anyone out there that have actually tried something like this?

However, this is a MAJOR security issue, that I would discourage!

ringding · 10-17-2007, 03:02 PM

I guess the easiest way is to just install the software they are going to run in the users "home" directory....that way they have full permissions and they cannot screw with the system itself......right?

Dinithion · 10-17-2007, 03:09 PM

Oh sorry. I misunderstood you there. I tought you wanted users to install to systemwide programs.

What I usually do when compiling programs, I compile them in the /tmp/ dir,
i.e. tar zxvf myprog.tar.gz -C /tmp
then cd to the folder and
./configure --prefix=/tmp/my_program
make && make install

When you specify --prefix, the program will be installed there. Since I use slackware I do it this way to create packages. I guess you could use ./configure --prefix=~/bin
make && make install
(Everything as user)

ringding · 10-17-2007, 03:13 PM

sorry for being vague...and thanks for your very quick reply!!! I'll try it using the users home folder and see how it goes.....THANKS AGAIN!