How to run puppy as a regular user (non administrator)

[happydude]

Hi,

I am a regular windows user. Security concerns prompted me to look into Linux based desktops. I noticed that Puppy runs in root. I know attacks against Linux client is rare. But I am a bit paranoid and would like to run Puppy as non-admin user most of the time. Is it possible?

I've searched the internet and this forum without success.

Could someone point me to the right direction?

Thanks

[disciple]

Maybe try the latest script in this thread http://www.murga-linux.com/puppy/viewtopic.php?t=15839
Or use a multi-user distro like Grafpup perhaps.

BUT unless you are running NASA or something where you NEED to be REALLY paranoid, it is fine to run as root - just make sure you use a firewall.

If you are interested, Nathan went to an awful lot of trouble to convert Grafpup to be multi-user, but he doesn't think Puppy should be multi-user, and he has provided the best summary of the argument at http://grafpup.org/news/?page_id=243
If you are only "a bit paranoid", and you don't have other reasons to want multi-user, run as root

[happydude]

Thanks for the information. Just what I was looking for.

[darrelljon]

I was under the impressions Nathan did want Puppy to be multiuser.

[Bruce B]

I am a regular windows user.

Happydude,

No offense intended, but I'm afraid you might take some. So I'll try and be careful how I word things.

It is to me an oxymoron that a 'regular windows' user would have have a problem running as root. If there is any problem with that, then don't be a regular windows user.

Please take this in good spirits, like a happydude would.

Thank you,

Bruce

[darrelljon]

Most regular Windows users don't want to run as root when they discover Linux and learn what "root" and "limited user" actually means for the first time.

[Bruce B]

Most regular Windows users don't want to run as root when they discover Linux and learn what "root" and "limited user" actually means for the first time.

I think I was clear enough, so you tell me: What is a regular Windows user?

To me in this context it is a person who regularly uses Windows. What do you think it means?

[Béèm]

Most regular Windows users don't want to run as root when they discover Linux and learn what "root" and "limited user" actually means for the first time.

Strange
Most regular Windows users run as admin.
So why should they object to run as root as it is the same as running as admin in Windows.
Can't follow this reasoning.

[darrelljon]

A regular Windows user - someone who doesn't necessarily realise they are running as "admin".

[Bruce B]

A regular Windows user - someone who doesn't necessarily realise they are running as "admin".

Thinking about exactly what you wrote, meaning the precise wording, in both posts, I think you might be right.

But it is still an oxymoron.

[Bruce B]

I was under the impressions Nathan did want Puppy to be multiuser.

That was one of the primary design concepts of Unix. Many users could be using the computer at the same time.

I don't even want any other users running my computer at different times.

This isn't the sixties or seventies. People can afford to buy their own computer used or otherwise. And if not, they still can't use mine.

[darrelljon]

The great thing about UNIX like systems is you have the choice of running it as root or multiuser whereas in systems like Windows and Puppy there is little option but to run as root.

[Béèm]

The great thing about UNIX like systems is you have the choice of running it as root or multiuser whereas in systems like Windows and Puppy there is little option but to run as root.

Considering your statement about Windows, I don't quite agree.
It's very easy to create and run from supplementary created accounts with limited rights.
But I confess I run as admin too, just out of laziness.

[paulh]

I'm lazy and run as adminstrator most of the time, too.

But there is a regular user, non-administrator account automatically set up in puppy 4. It's under the name "spot". In /home/spot, there is a file telling how to move back and forth between being administrator and spot.