Is it possible to create OS User (dbadmin) before running the Vertica installer?

jordzilla

Because of fapolicyd requirements (installing under RHEL 8.x with DISA STIGs applied), I need the Vertica OS User to be created and known before running the installer as I need to reference it in the faplicyd rules file.
Will Vertica still install properly if I create the ''verticadba'' group and ''dbadmin'' user before starting the installer?

s_crossman

This page in the docs should help. It lists all the requirements for a user created before installation, and it covers what the install checks and errors it will post for various checks that fail. I hope it helps. https://www.vertica.com/docs/12.0.x/HTML/Content/Authoring/InstallationGuide/BeforeYouInstall/systemuserreqts.htm

SruthiA

Installation should work.

jordzilla

Thank you @SruthiA !

Are there any other caveats to be aware of?
Does the user or group have to have a specific id, etc?
I know the default shell should be bash, but I think RHEL does that automatically for a new user unless you specify otherwise.

mosheg

Does the user or group have to have a specific id, etc?
No, but as mentioned in the doc Stephen shared the user must be in the verticadba group or a group with the same name as the user.
And yes, the user must use the BASH shell as the user's default shell and RHEL does it automatically.
BTW, by default, the Vertica install script automatically configures and creates the username dbadmin and its verticadba group.