What is "wheel" in Sharing & Permissions?

Question

What is "wheel" in Sharing & Permissions?

In the Sharing & Permissions section of the info dialogue on my Lightroom 4 application, "admin" has been replaced by "wheel" in the names list. This isn't the case in any other application, including an earlier version of Lightroom. What is "wheel", why is Admin missing and is it wise to add it?

I'm not sure if this is connected, but I am also unable to select a label for the same application. Can someone explain what is going on here?

Thanks in advance.

Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Oct 19, 2012 7:35 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 19, 2012 7:53 AM in response to Carlos The Jackass

Wheel is the primary group of the root user. Admin users do not belong to the group wheel unless the root user account is enabled which is not a good idea to enable. Changing the group on your application to the group admin could remove an extra security layer. Live without selecting a label.

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Answer 2

Oct 19, 2012 8:49 AM in response to Mark Jalbert

Thanks Mark. Understood.

Is it normal for "wheel" to be read only? Should I change the permissions to read & write? The only name listed for read & write is "system". I am the owner and sole user of my Mac.

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Answer 3

Oct 19, 2012 11:22 AM in response to Carlos The Jackass

Is it normal for "wheel" to be read only?

Yes, if the installer set wheel to read only then it is fine. Actually, the executable bit is also set. You don't see that under Sharing and Permissions.

Should I change the permissions to read & write?

No

The only name listed for read & write is "system". I am the owner and sole user of my Mac.

Well, the operating system has many users that run different processes. You may be the sole login user but you are not alone.

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