Home
>
Personal Technology
>
Setting File Permissions On A Unix Server

Setting File Permissions On A Unix Server

File permissions are one of the strengths that the Unix world has had over it's Windows contemporaries. Permissions are a means to control access to information on a computer, on a file by file basis. There are several layers of control, and these will be discussed below.

For the purpose of this series of tutorials, I have been using a free FTP program called Core FTP Lite to upload files to my server. I am using this program to describe my examples.

Ok, to begin, let's say that we have uploaded some files to a server.

We are discussing uploading scripts in general here, and certainly for many scripts, the creators may well specify certain 'permissions' that need to be set in order for the scripts to operate correctly. Let's take a look at a set of files on a server. In Core FTP Lite, the server files are shown in the right hand pane. Select one and then right click on the highlighted file.If you use a different FTP client, I expect that the layout will be very similar.

Run the mouse down to the bottom of the menu and select the item marked 'Properties'. Click on this option, and another dialog will appear.

You will see that the file in question (in this case a directory) is being shown in the 'File' field at the top of the screen.

What we are really interested in, is the tick boxes in the bottom half of the screen. These hold the file 'privileges' or 'permissions' for this file or directory.

There are three types of 'permissions' available.

* User - which means the person signed on who is setting the permissions

* Group - which means a specific group of users for whom access to the file has been granted

* World - which means everyone.

Within these groups of users, there are 3 distinct types of permissions

* Read - which means that permission to read a file, but not alter it or run it

* Write - which means permission to write to a file and change it

* Execute - which means permission to execute a file, which is important in the case of scripts for example.

Permissions are sometimes called by these names (read, write, execute) but are more commonly referred to using letters 'rwx'. In addition, permissions are sometimes referred to by a single number '755' for example. In the picture above, you will see a value box. This is the number being referred to. How is this number made up? Well let me explain.

Read
User 400

Group 40

World 4

Write
User 200

Group 20

World 2

Execute
User 100

Group 10

World 1

Each value for each setting is shown. Try them out by ticking them, and see the number in the 'Value' field change accordingly.

So, lets look at a real example

Can you see how the number 755 is made up? Add up the individual values from the value table and see.

So hopefully you can see, that setting file permissions with the right tool is not hard at all.

Charlie Cory worked or many years running a HelpDesk for a software house, and has experience in many operatng systems and technologies. The online aticle contains many pictures which help bring this tutorial to life.

setting file permissons

efficient cleaning crew Northbrook ..

In The News:

Chinese hackers used Anthropic's Claude AI to launch autonomous cyberattacks on 30 organizations worldwide, marking a major shift in cybersecurity threats.

Apple's new Sleep Score feature gives you a rating for your nightly rest quality. Learn how to set it up on your Apple Watch and iPhone today.

Essential phone settings to enable before losing your device, including Find My network, location services and security features for iPhone and Android.

The Fox News AI Newsletter gives readers the latest AI technology advancements, covering the challenges and opportunities AI presents.

Cybersecurity research shows weak passwords remain a major threat, with simple patterns and number sequences putting millions of accounts at risk.

New Android malware BankBot YNRK silences phones, steals banking data and drains crypto wallets automatically. Learn how this advanced threat works.

FDA approves first human trial for Paradromics' brain-computer interface that could restore speech for paralyzed patients through neural technology.

New phishing platform QRR targets Microsoft 365 users across 1,000 domains in 90 countries. Learn how to spot fake login pages and protect your accounts.

OpenTable now uses AI to track your dining habits and share insights with restaurants. Learn what data they collect and how to protect your privacy.

Google's discontinued Nest thermostats still secretly upload home data to company servers despite losing smart features, raising serious privacy concerns.

New Android malware NGate steals NFC payment codes in real-time, allowing criminals to withdraw cash from ATMs without your card. Learn protection tips.

DoorDash confirms data breach exposing customer names, emails, addresses after social engineering attack. Learn how to protect yourself from scams.

Concerned about Google's AI scanning your Gmail? Learn how to disable Gemini features that access your emails, Drive files and Chat messages for privacy.

Google warns Android users about dangerous fake VPN apps hiding malware that steals passwords, banking details and personal data from phones and tablets.

Apple's digital passport feature lets iPhone users breeze through TSA checkpoints this holiday season using Digital ID technology at 250+ airports.

A new phishing scam targets family photos with fake "Cloud Storage Full" alerts. Criminals steal credit card information through fake sites. Learn protection tips.

South Korean scientists create ultra-thin fabric muscles that turn clothes into robotic assistants, lifting 33 pounds while weighing under half an ounce.

Archer Aviation has acquired Hawthorne Airport for $126M to launch an LA air taxi network ahead of the 2028 Olympics, featuring AI-powered eVTOL operations and next-gen aviation tech.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Fake AI apps disguised as "ChatGPT" and "DALL·E" are flooding app stores with dangerous malware that steals data and monitors users without detection.

Fake buyers demand specific vehicle reports from unknown sites to steal credit card information from car sellers, but warning signs can help identify these scams before paying.

Android users can now manage apps across multiple devices more easily with Google Play Store's updated remote uninstall button in the latest update.

NASA's Perseverance rover discovers shiny metallic rock on Mars that could be a meteorite from an ancient asteroid, containing high levels of iron and nickel.

Holiday scams spike during Black Friday and Cyber Monday as criminals exploit your leaked personal data. Learn how to protect yourself from fake stores and phishing.

Commerce Department proposes TP-Link router ban over Chinese security risks. Learn how this potential prohibition could affect your home network and devices.

Setting File Permissions On A Unix Server

Personal Technology