Software installed without requiring administrator password !?!

[Jalopy]

I've been using my Mac for years and have downloaded several free software installers during this time from sites such as Softonic, CNET. I'm very selective as to what I choose to download but still I'm glad that Mac OS requests my administrator password before installing these files for security reasons. However yesterday I downloaded a dmg file and when I opened it the software installed without me having to enter my administrator password. Why didn't I have to enter my password?

 

[Intell]

It's likely it didn't ask for one because it didn't need to install or change anything outside of your user folder.

 

[Jalopy]

The software installed on to my desktop and I moved it to my Macintosh HD/Applications folder. Is this still inside my user folder?

 

[Intell]

It may have things like preferences and support files within your home directory. Most, if not all, applications do.

 

[Jalopy]

So it is possible to install certain software without having to enter the administrator password? I always thought Mac OS required this as a safeguard.

 

[Nermal]

An administrator password is only needed to modify "system" files. If the application can run completely in "user space" then no password is needed.

 

[Jalopy]

Thanks. Would this mean that software that does not require my administrator password is "safe" and unlikely to modify system files?

 

[Intell]

Correct. Such software is generally safe and any damage it could do would be limited to your user account and your home folder contents.