CHMOD - Undertanding File Permissions on a Unix-Based Server

The basic command for changing file permissions in unix based operating systems is the 'chmod' command. This command is executed with a set of parameters after it. With most FTP clients, you can simply select the filename you want to change the permissions of, right click, and choose the chmod command.

There are three main groups of permissions when dealing with the chmod command. The three groups are yourself or owner, your unix group, and everyone else. A typical chmod command would look like this - 'chmod 755' This allows you to add, remove or rename files as well as read or edit a file. It also specifies that your unix group and everyone else can only read and edit the file in question. They can't add, delete, or rename the file.

How the numbers in the chmod command work

There are three types of permissions that can be given to a file. They are read, write, and execute. The read permission is assigned a value of 4, the write permission is assigned a value of 2 and the execute permission is assigned a value of 1. So when a chmod command specified the digit 7 as the first number, it means that all three types of permissions are to be assigned to it. If a party is assigned a value of '0' then it means it has no rights whatsoever to a file. '6' tells the server that the user can read and write to the file but can't execute it. I think you get the idea.

Common permissions to set

Most of your html files will do fine with a permission of 644. Most script files will need a permission of 755. Any configuration files in a script package will often need a file permission of 777. Be very careful about assigning a file permission of '777' for everyone. With this permission, it means that anyone who gains access to your server will be able to add, remove, rename, read or edit the file. It is always a good idea with security in mind to assign the least amount of permissions necessary to get the job done.

An FTP client can keep things simple

Most people on shared servers will not have access to a command line to be able to use the chmod command. For most people, changing file permissions will be done through an FTP client. To do this, right click on the file you want to alter, and choose the chmod command. You will usually get a popup that will show nine checkboxes. The will be arranged in three rows. On the left you will usually see Read, Write, and Execute for the row headings. You can accomplish the same thing as typing in the numbers above by clicking on one, two or three boxes for each party. Once you're done, you click the apply or ok button and the file permissions will be changed.

If you keep in mind that you need to always go with the most restrictive file permissions possible that still allows your files to execute, and that there are three parties to define permissions for, you'll do fine. The three parties again are the owner, group, and everyone else.

This article was written by Joe Duchesne, president of http://www.yowling.com/, a web hosting company that specializes in helping online business owners increase their website traffic. Copyright 2004 Yowling. Reprint Freely as long as you link back to my website from this resource box.

---

What You Should Know About Your Web Host

Yesterday I received a nice email in my inbox, I... Read More

The #1 Factor New Webmasters Forget to Consider when Choosing a Web Hosting Plan

The ProblemToo often new webmasters sign-up with the first good... Read More

Internet Domain Registration - Establishing and Transferring Your Domain Name

If you're in business, one of the most important things... Read More

Choosing Between Free or Paid Web Hosting

There are a number of things to consider when choosing... Read More

Cheap Internet Hosting - Get The Most For Your Money With a Cheap Web Hosting Package

With so many web hosting companies competing for your web... Read More

How to Get Better Technical Support

Whenever you have a technical question that needs answering, you... Read More

The 14 Point Web Hosting Checklist

How To Select A Web Hosting CompanyWhen starting out, it... Read More

How VOIP Has Helped Change Web Hosting

There is really no stopping VOIP (voice over internet protocol)... Read More

Webhosting for Blogs - Free or Paid Service

Blogging is an abbreviation of "web-logging". The simplest definition of... Read More

What Is Web Hosting?

The best way to explain this is by comparing it... Read More

CHMOD - Undertanding File Permissions on a Unix-Based Server

The basic command for changing file permissions in unix based... Read More

Best Website Hosting is One Thats Reliable

If you are looking for a solid, reliable web host,... Read More

Unlimited Wealth Creation Through Reseller Hosting

Web hosting can be an exciting business start up for... Read More

Windows Hosting versus Linux Hosting ? Which is right for you?

There are literally hundreds of thousands of web hosting companies... Read More

Server Host: Where Does My Web Page Go?

For those of you who don't really understand where or... Read More

Web Hosting Services Absolutely Necessary for Your Websites Success

Web hosting services play a vital part in your website's... Read More

Tips on Finding a Hosting Service for Your Business Website

There are so many hosting companies offering to host your... Read More

Questions To Ask a Hosting Company Before You Start

There are several types of hosting. Among them are:Free hosting... Read More

The 2 Sides of Reseller Web Hosting

In the first case the customer is really looking for... Read More

Choosing a Hosting Service: A Checklist for Business Owners

For a website to appear on the Internet, you require... Read More

Solving Common Problems with Hosting Companies

For those of you with Web sites, you probably know... Read More

How To Choose The Best Web Host For You

Web Hosting is a service. Auto mechanics also provide a... Read More

Dedicated Web Hosting Is Easy When You Know These 3 Timesaving Secrets

Dedicated web hosting has its difficulties and problems from time... Read More

Finding the Right Web Host

Choosing the right Web Hosting service for your website can... Read More

How to Move Your Domain Without Any Downtime

With a little advanced planning, moving your domain to a... Read More

Dedicated Web Hosting Explained

Why is dedicated hosting such a big hit on the... Read More

Changing to a New Host? No More Worries!

John's online business is expanding. His customers are increasing day... Read More

Avoiding Bad Web Hosts

The Internet represents the most powerful communication revolution since the... Read More

Web Hosting Providers - Find A Newbie Friendly Web Site Host

If you're about to set up your first web site... Read More

Advanced Hosting for the Mission Critical Web Presence

As companies that conduct their business online have proliferated, hosting... Read More

Cheap Web Hosting Package? eCommerce Web Hosting? - Choosing A Web Hosting Provider

One of the important decisions you'll make when you decide... Read More

7 Key Ingredients for Rock Solid Website Hosting

Every website needs a great web host, however when you... Read More

The Problem With Web Hosting Today

When it comes to web hosting, the quality of the... Read More