[jstrauss]

Is there a way to allow users to install software through Workgroup Manager? I don't necessarily want to make them local administrators of the machine, but I do want to allow them to install applications and run those applications.

Any ideas on how to do this in WGM? I'd like to be able to configure an entire group of users this way instead of individually.

Thanks!

[King Bob On The Cob]

So what do you want them to not be able to do if you want them to install software?

[rickey939]

Are these applications already picked-out and pre-approved or are you wanting a free for all where the users can pick and choose anything to install on the machine?

[jstrauss]

These laptops are going out to teachers, and some of them would like to install their own software. I don't want to be hassled with people [I]all the time[I] asking to install their own software.

I guess there's no way around this, huh?

[JKT]

FWIW, if the software is a drag and drop install, they only need to copy it to their Home folder (create an Applications folder in there) and they will be able to run it. They don't need to be able to install into the root level Applications folder.

[jstrauss]

Thanks, JKT. I'll test that out.

[jstrauss]

well, i've tested it, and i found that you can't even open a .dmg without proper permissions. i guess there's no way around this.

thanks for everyone's help

[King Bob On The Cob]

Originally Posted by jstrauss 

well, i've tested it, and i found that you can't even open a .dmg without proper permissions. i guess there's no way around this.

thanks for everyone's help

What kind of account are you giving them that they can't even open a dmg?!

Standard user accounts that can't write anywhere except their home directory should suffice. Limited Accounts (Like parentally controlled stuff) are really not necessary (or wise) for most applications.

[jstrauss]

King Bob On The Cob,

They're all standard user accounts managed via Workgroup Manager. Whenever I try to double-click a .dmg as the user, I get a permission denied error.

I don't want them to be able to install anything they want, but I do want to give them some autonomy. Any advice, anyone?

[Art Vandelay]

You've done something to have prevented standard users from opening disk images. That is not normal behavior for a standard user. Double check your managed settings in Workgroup Manager.

[jstrauss]

Art,

I found the problem. In WGM, the option to allow users to open all applications on local volume was de-selected. However, now that I've enabled that, the user has total access to the Utilities folder and all applications within it, which I don't want.

Is there a middle-ground?