Reseller Program

How do I set permissions on a file?

Answer

This option in the Control Panel (Set file permissions) is used to change the permissions (file characteristics) on a certain file via the CHMOD command. Unix files have a set of "permissions" that tell the operating system how to handle the file. In some cases, you identify the file is being readable (able to read the file), writable (able to write to the file), executable (able to execute the file as a program), or a combination of any of these. Because some files need to be treated differently, this option is made available to you. An example would be something like CGI scripts. CGI scripts are executable "programs" on the server that are run to perform functions like a guestbook or Counter. CGI scripts would be set to be readable and executable (you have to be able to access the file [readable] and must be run as a program [executable]). Another factor in permissions is the ability to set WHO can access the file. The permissions allow you to grant only access from the owner (meaning only you can access the file when you are on the server, not through the web since the web server can't tell if you are the owner of the file just by browsing to it through your web browser). This is where you can also set the file to be accessible by Groups and the World (essentially meaning you allow anyone to access it even from their browsers). For more information about permissions, check out a reference source on the UNIX Operating System under CHMOD or PERMISSIONS. You will be prompted with some form requesting information on the file's location and how you want to set the permissions. Information about the form fields follow:

In the Control Panel, select the "Set file permissions" option from the "Manage Advanced Options" drop down menu.
Enter full path for the file: this would be the full path on the server where your file is located (i.e. /www/cgi-bin/program.cgi)
Select which permissions to set: this is where you can choose the standard permissions (readable or executable) or specify a specific permission setting. Most CGI programs will need the permissions of 755.
It is advised NOT to change permissions on ANY file or directory, UNLESS you have some SPECIFIC directions (for a script, etc.) that call for you to do it.

The numeric equivalent of readable, writable, and executable come from the following information. The line below is from a directory listing. Note
the first line.

-rwxr-xr-x user user 1471 Jul 31 13:53 script.pl

The first part of the line states that script.pl is readable (r), writable (w), and executable (x) for the superuser, readable and executable for the group, and also for the user. The hyphen(-) means that it is not readable, writable, or executable.

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