Slicehost

More articles, that is. This time about a subject both esoteric and essential: File permissions.

Yes, Linux file permissions can be pretty scary, especially when you see your first "chmod 755" or "chown root:www-data". A lot of times explanations don't even help that much, and you only really start to understand permissions through trial and error.

But we've taken a shot at the explanation thing, covering aspects of file permissions ranging from what it means to own a file, to changing permissions with chmod, to setting the umask, to discovering that at least half of what you find on the Internet about the "sticky bit" is wrong (seriously, it turns out most of us were actually thinking of setgid).

In short, the articles range from beginner topics to advanced. They may not convey instant and complete understanding of file permissions (though I hope they do), but they should at least give you a head start that can make the trial-and-error stuff a lot easier.

The articles, in order, with links:

Linux file permission concepts

Checking Linux file permissions with ls

Using chmod, part 1 - symbolic mode

Using chmod, part 2 - octal mode

Umask and unusual file permissions

If you run into problems, post about them in the comments, email us, or hit SliceChat to get help from our tech support staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Thanks for reading!