CHMOD & File Permissions

General Info
Reasons for CHMODING
List of CHMOD's and what they mean

General Info
When using a UNIX system it is sometimes necessary to change file permissions. This is done using the CHMOD command. There are two different ways to chmod a file.

Certain FTP clients such as Cute FTP and WS/FTP Pro allow for a chmoding directly within FTP. To do this you would highlight the file that you want to use, and select from the command menu "change file permissions." There is on option for "manual." This is where you will enter the desired CHMOD. Many other FTP clients will support CHMODing as well, we recommend checking the documentation.

Reasons for CHMODING
CHMODing files can be done for a variety of reasons. You can CHMOD files to do things such as: mark them executable, give them write permission, restrict access to them, and a variety of other reasons. It is important to note that chmoding is nearly impossible to avoid. If you are trying to run a certain cgi script it could require execute permissions on the script itself, write permissions on a directory, and read on an informational page. Your cgi scripts should contain the proper documentation to inform you of the proper CHMOD's.

List of CHMOD's and what they mean
chmod 777 filename The file is available for Read, Write, and Execute for the owner, group, and world.

chmod 755 filename The file is available for Read, Write, and Execute for the owner; and Read and Execute only for the group and world.

chmod 644 filename The file is available for Read and Write for the owner, and Read only for the group and world.

chmod 666 filename The file is available for Read and Write for the owner, group, and world. I wonder if the 666 number is just a coincidence. Anybody can create havoc with your files with this wide-open permission mask.