diff --git a/newinstaller.sh b/newinstaller.sh
index 58a8269..e7db8c2 100755
--- a/newinstaller.sh
+++ b/newinstaller.sh
@@ -14,6 +14,20 @@ information"
   exit 1
 fi
 
+# we require passwordless sudo
+sudo -K
+if ! sudo -n true; then
+    echo "Passwordless sudo is not working. Aborting"
+    exit
+fi
+
+# the php code expects the user with uid 1000 on this system
+PRIMARY=$(awk -F: '/1000/{print $1}' /etc/passwd)
+if [ $USER != $PRIMARY ]; then
+  echo "Current user \"$USER\" does not match the user with uid 1000 on this system \"$PRIMARY\". Aborting"
+  exit
+fi
+
 # Simple new installer
 HOME=$HOME
 USER=$USER