Install program as root user

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Level 2

210 points

Install program as root user

I downloaded a program from Broderbund's web site. The .dmg install file is in my Downloads folder. When I try to install the program, I get a message that says, "You must be logged in as a root to install this program." I Googled and followed the instructions to Enable Root User through System Preferences, Users and Groups, etc. I logged out as me, then logged back in under "Other", then "root" using the password I assigned. It seemed to work, as my desktop was different, etc. However, as such, the .dmg I downloaded when I was logged in under my own name was not in the Downloads folder for "root", which I was afraid of. How am I to install the program?

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Jul 9, 2021 5:25 PM

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Answer 1

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Jake378

Level 4

1,201 points

Jul 9, 2021 5:34 PM in response to jla930

Download the program from Broderbund's website as the root user or login as you, use a USB stick copy that dmg file then take out the USB, login as the root user then plug in the USB open up finder and run the dmg.

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Answer 2

babowa

Level 9

78,656 points

Jul 9, 2021 9:11 PM in response to jla930

Just tell them that they are not compatible with Mac OS Big Sur if they require installing as a root user. It just seems a bit behind the times. Big Sur has the OS and system "sequestered" on a read only non-accessible volume for security reasons and third party app developers need to offer/sell compatible products.

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Answer 3

jla930 Author

Level 2

210 points

Jul 17, 2021 5:03 PM in response to jla930

The company that makes the software told me the reason it's necessary to install the application logged in as root is because it's 32-bit. The agent told me once installed, it will run fine on Big Sur, logged in as me, not root. However, I explained to him that I was still uncomfortable installing it as root, so he gave me a break with the purchase of a different program that he told me is 64-bit.

I'm not sure if this is my own fault. The system requirements say:

"Macintosh® OS X 10.7 or higher, Intel® Core™ 2 Duo 2 GHz or better processor (2.4 GHz recommended), Administrator privileges are required to properly install the program on Windows® and Mac® OS X."

There is nothing about installing as a root, 32-bit vs 64-bit, etc. However, there is a claim at the top of the page that says:

"Please note that the current version may not work on Mac Catalina Operating System. We are testing for compatibility and will update soon."

I don't remember seeing this claim, so either they just put it up, or I just missed it, which is possible.

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Answer 4

babowa

Level 9

78,656 points

Jul 9, 2021 6:31 PM in response to jla930

You best have a look here as in Big Sur, things have changed dramatically:

https://support.apple.com/guide/directory-utility/about-the-root-user-dirub32398f1/mac

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Answer 5

jla930 Author

Level 2

210 points

Jul 9, 2021 5:42 PM in response to jeffreythefrog

jeffreythefrog, I certainly understand your comment. I have used several programs from Broderbund in the past and have never had a problem or trust issue. However, I admit I've never had ANY program require me to install as the root.

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Answer 6

Jul 9, 2021 5:50 PM in response to jla930

ok, so maybe broderbund usually offers safe stuff. but i personally would exhaust all avenues for comparable software before ever installing anything as the root. it is possible that it's safe software, but why would it need to be installed so deeply?

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Answer 7

Jul 9, 2021 5:57 PM in response to jla930

jla930 wrote:

Could it be something as simple as making it available to any user who logs in?

i myself need to wait for an answer to that. someone more knowledgable than me will likely weigh in on this. at least i hope so. :)

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Answer 8

jla930 Author

Level 2

210 points

Jul 9, 2021 6:39 PM in response to babowa

babowa, Thank you for the link. I have not yet installed the software. I think I'm going to ask for a refund, wishing myself luck with that, while explaining to the software company that I've NEVER had to log in as root for ANYTHING, and I just don't trust them. The more I think about this, the more I resent them making the root log in as a requirement for installation.

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Answer 9

jla930 Author

Level 2

210 points

Jul 17, 2021 5:29 PM in response to jeffreythefrog

jeffreythefrog, yeah, I didn't trust his answer that it will run after installed, and I told him straight out I won't be installing it. They sell a similar program for $10 more, so he sold me that program for $10. It's the same as getting a refund for the original program, and paying for the new program. So that's fine.

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Answer 10

Jul 17, 2021 5:36 PM in response to jla930

now, i'm very concerned for your digital safety. if the new program is from the same vendor that uses a dishonest sales pitch to sell his 32bit program, why would you even consider ANYTHING that they sell. i hope i'm not coming across as talking down to you, but i would never give one red cent to such a vendor. sorry, that's just my opinion. it's your money and your machine.

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Answer 11

jla930 Author

Level 2

210 points

Jul 18, 2021 9:55 AM in response to jeffreythefrog

The program is from Broderbund. I've used a lot of their software through the years. I don't think you were talking down to me. I appreciate your opinions. In fact, I'm second guessing myself for purchasing the other software, even though I've had good experiences. I did do some research before installing the other software, and it seems to be legitimate.

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Answer 12

Jul 18, 2021 11:02 AM in response to jla930

jla930 wrote:

The program is from Broderbund. I've used a lot of their software through the years. I don't think you were talking down to me. I appreciate your opinions. In fact, I'm second guessing myself for purchasing the other software, even though I've had good experiences. I did do some research before installing the other software, and it seems to be legitimate.

When something like this happens you need to take a closer look at the company itself. Do they have new leadership or were they possibly bought out by another company who have no scruples or respect for their users? This is the type of thing I see when one or both of these things occur to a respected company.

Don't have blind faith in the company as they go bad very easily and many times silently without any warning. At the very least it indicates the company is extremely lazy as they are unwilling to update the software they are currently selling to 64 bit. You should also think about what else this laziness will cost in terms of security, quality, and performance. This company no longer deserves any respect with this type of behavior and you are just enabling them at this point to continue this bad behavior. Yes it may make things more difficult for you by requiring you to find other software that perhaps won't perform in the same way.

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Answer 13

jla930 Author

Level 2

210 points

Jul 9, 2021 5:36 PM in response to Jake378

If I install the program as the root, will I be able to access it and use it when logged in as me?

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Answer 14

Jul 9, 2021 5:39 PM in response to jla930

i hope you've done enough research regarding whatever program you are trying to install. i would be very concerned about any software that requires you to install it at the root level.

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Answer 15

Jake378

Level 4

1,201 points

Jul 9, 2021 5:39 PM in response to jla930

Yes, you can.

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Install program as root user

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