trezaei@gmail.com wrote:
> We have an ERP package installed on our server which requires some
> maintenance from time to time.
> To preform this maintenance I have to make sure all users stay off the
> system (even those logged in through a web-interface) and the ones who
> telnet in also.
> I just can't have them use the database but I still need to use it to
> perform the maintenance.
> Problem is the software uses only one user to access the DB and I can't
> just keep that user off the system cause then I can't do the
> maintenance either.
>
> So the question is, how can I keep users from starting new processes on
> the server while I am doing the maintenance. All users that is with the
> exception of myself and root.

Try rebooting, then creating an /etc/nologin file.
This prevents any user (except root) from logging in.
Then su to the user for maintenance, and remove the /etc/nologin file
when you are done.