What is a "wheel" user , and do I need it?

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Level 1

12 points

What is a "wheel" user , and do I need it?

I recently noticed, a new user in my user groups, a "wheel" user.I made my discovery when changing permissions on a folder in my shared folder...

a. What is this user?
b. Is this user important?
c. Should I or can I delete this user?
d. Does the presence of this user leave my files open to perusal by unsavory characters when I am on-line, such as in wi-fi zones at a café for example?

Macbook Aluminum 2.0 GHz, Mac OS X (10.5.6)

Posted on Jan 23, 2010 9:37 AM

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Answer 1

V.K.

Level 9

56,192 points

Jan 23, 2010 9:39 AM in response to Maczbook

wheel is a group not a user. it's a necessary system group. by default only the root user belongs to it. don't touch it and don't mess with it. the group on the folder /Users/Shared should be wheel. leave it alone. no it does not pose any security vulnerabilities.

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Answer 2

Niel

Community+ 2025

Level 10

740,975 points

Jan 23, 2010 9:40 AM in response to Maczbook

What is this user?

One intended for use by the OS itself.

Is this user important?

Yes.

Should I delete this user?

No.

Does the presence of this user leave my files open to perusal by unsavory characters when I am on-line, such as in wi-fi zones at a café for example?

No.

(49985)

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Answer 3

Maczbook Author

Level 1

12 points

Jan 23, 2010 11:09 AM in response to Maczbook

Thank you.

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