AWS 95, AppleShare Pro and Non-root Users (12/93)

This article describes why the Apple Workgroup Server (AWS) 95 will not
allow non-root users to run AppleShare Pro. Also the use of a screen saver
with password protection will provide security.

There are no plans to implement support for non-root users to run
AppleShare Pro on the AWS 95. Its implementation has been investigated and
the effort necessary to make such a change would be great.

Several factors were considered before arriving at this decision. Since
AppleShare Pro requires write access to the "/" volume for the creation of
the PDS file, it needs to be a root process. Other administrative
functions require root access as well. For example, mounting file systems,
initializing a hard disk, making a new file system, the creation of a new
kernel, modifying the A/UX Buffer Cache which changes the A/UX kernel, and
so on.

If the AWS 95 is in a situation where security is a concern, we suggest the
use of a screen saver which allows for password protection. You must use a
module that does not require CPU cycles to work. For example, AfterDark,
using the FadeAway module with the SystemIQ monitor enabled. Any other
AfterDark module will affect the server performance.


Published Date: Feb 19, 2012