install rpm\'s as root or ...? was Re: Custom Kernel Creation Documentation Online

[Michael A. Peters]

On 02/08/2005 04:07:45 PM, David L Norris wrote:

> > >
> > rpm can ONLY BE INSTALLED as root.
> 
> Not true at all.  Binary RPMS normally need to be installed as root
> because they modify system files.

Not normally, always. The modify the rpm database.
You may be able to do it as non root if you specify a rpm database  
other than the system database, that your user has permission to write  
to - I haven't tried that, but don't really see the value.


src.rpm's do not touch any rpm database, which is why it works to  
install them as not root user, provided your .rpmmacros file specifies  
a place to dump the source and spec file that your user has permission  
to write to.

-- 
Michael A. Peters
http://mpeters.us/