Problem With 8.4.7 Installer

[Brett K.]

This may be a "feature" rather than a bug, but it results in some extra work.

 

As suggested by Apple (and the NSA), I have a standard user account and an admin account. The standard user account is what I work in all the time, and for administrative activity I am asked for the admin name and password.

 

It appears the Accordance 8.4.7 Installer won't install from a standard user account. It asks for the admin name and password, then crashes while trying to authenticate.

 

It does work when logged in as an admin, but it won't install in the standard user's applications folder (where Accordance lives). It asks if I'm sure that's where I want it, then it installs in the root level applications folder anyway. So, it's not updating Accordance, it's installing a new version with its associated files.

 

I have to manually copy the installation to the standard user account then go back and remove the root level install with admin privileges. Is this how it is supposed to work?

 

Thanks

 

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Brett

[Helen Brown]

We have it default to the main apps folder, so I think what you are describing is correct. Once you are logged in as admin it doesn't "see" the installation you have placed in the user apps folder.

 

All you need to keep in your user is the preferences and the Documents taht we already place there. I am not sure why you are trying to buck the system.

[Brett K.]

All you need to keep in your user is the preferences and the Documents taht we already place there. I am not sure why you are trying to buck the system.

 

When all of your personally installed apps are kept in the user domain, the user domain is then portable and the system can be updated or completely reinstalled with minimal effort. Apple specifies that personally installed apps can live in the user domain. That's why the user domain applications folder is searched for applications by the system. So, it's not bucking the system. It's built in to the system. Since Apple recommends the separation of daily user activity from admin activity, it is the recommended approach.

 

The installer does see my standard user install. Since it is using Apple's APIs, I assume it is searching the user domains' applications folder. It asks me if I'm sure that's where I want to install it. I say yes then it installs it at the root level anyway.

 

There are only a few apps that force installation in the root level applications folder. Most are related to low level system functionality (like scanners or other USB devices). On my system I have over 100 applications installed in the user domain and less than 10 that forced me to install them at the root level.

 

It's okay if Accordance has decided to take that approach, but it's not the norm. And I love Accordance anyway. :-)

 

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Brett

 

References for the above info.

 

The user domain contains resources that are specific to a single user. . . . Each user account comes with an assigned area of space in the file system, called the user’s home directory. This directory is where the user’s programs, resources, and documents reside.

 

Apple Mac OS X File System Overview

 

Important: The system administrator account should be used only when absolutely necessary to perform administrative tasks. Create additional accounts for nonadministrative use.

 

Mac OS X Security Configuration For Mac OS X Version 10.6 Snow Leopard. Available as PDF download

[R. Mansfield]

It's okay if Accordance has decided to take that approach, but it's not the norm.

 

Brett, I don't have any software that installs itself in the way you are describing--regardless of what Apple's documents say. Even Apple's own apps (iWork, iLife, etc.) install themselves in the main Applications folder, not in a home folder. I don't see that Accordance is installing any different from any other software I've put on my system.

[Brett K.]

Brett, I don't have any software that installs itself in the way you are describing--regardless of what Apple's documents say.

 

Maybe we just do weird stuff around here. I worked in an office filled with Macs, I have several friends with Macs, and all of them install their software in their home folder. The only time software is installed at root level is when: 1. It forces you to install it there (which is very rare) or 2. It's a multi-user system and other people need access to the software. That's why Apple's software is stored there. Apple says the local domain (root level) is for software that is to be shared by all users. If the software does not need to be shared by all users, then it is supposed to go in your home folder.

 

But, no big deal. I'll live. :-)

 

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Brett