PostgreSQL: thanks for trying to look after me, but no, thanks.
July 6, 2006 – 00:04 | LAMP, javaI have been wanting to give postgresql a try for some time. The reasons are manifold - the clean coming BSD license for a starter, a somewhat more standard compliant SQL engine compared to MySQL and even some commercial products, etc. But my postgresql experience takes a blow right in the face at the first attempt to start the server -
C:\PostgreSQL\8.1\bin>postmaster
Execution of PostgreSQL by a user with administrative permissions is not permitted.
The server must be started under an unprivileged user ID to prevent possible system security compromises. See the documentation for more information on how to properly start the server.
I totally understand where the postgresql guys are coming from on this one, and totally, totally agree - in principle. But why being so prescriptive to the point of simply forbidding an administrator user from starting the server? There can be any number of reasons for one to insist on starting a server with an administrator user. E.g., I don’t want to install it as a Windows service, and simply want to start postgresql in a command prompt when I want it, and close it when I’m done. Or I do need to run a lot of other programs with administrator rights (we all know how impractical it is to work in Windows without them). Or, my next installation is going to be on a laptop where I would be working offline most of the time, so I won’t actually worry so much about being hacked into. Call me weird and hacker-inviting, but I would like to be able to run a piece of software the way I see fit.
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3 Responses to “PostgreSQL: thanks for trying to look after me, but no, thanks.”
This is exactly the reason I don’t user PostgreSQL in my Java course anymore. First there was only a Windows version trough MinGW /Cygwin and terrible to install, now this. Sure, this is a great database — but not for all situations. In my courses I went back to hsqldb.
By Christian Ullenboom on Jul 6, 2006
@Christian Ullenboom: It is time to look back
PostgreSQL features a lot of improvements
@Jing Xue:
You can install PostgreSQl as Windows Service but do not allow it run automatically. In my PC, I set Start up Type of PostgreSQL (via Windows Services) to Manual. As I need it, I type net start pgsql-8.1. Believe me, it works
By pcdinh on Jul 6, 2006
pcdinh, believe me, I know “net start” works :). That’s probably what I’m going to end up having to do if I still want to try out postgresql - speaking of which, the postgresql windows installer should probably _not_ allow user to opt out of the service creation, because it’d apparently be a deadend.
By Jing Xue on Jul 6, 2006