the permissions and one or more filenames. The parameters form different cate-
gories:
1. Users concerned
• u (user)—owner of the file
• g (group)—group that owns the file
• o (others)—additional users (if no parameter is given, the changes apply to all
2. A character for deletion (–), setting (=), or insertion (+)
3. The abbreviations
• r—read
• w—write
• x—execute
4. Filename or filenames separated by spaces
If, for example, the user tux in Example 18.2, "Sample Output Showing Directory
Permissions" (page 363) also wants to grant other users write (w) access to the di-
rectory ProjectData, he can do this using the command chmod o+w
ProjectData.
If, however, he wants to deny all users other than himself write permissions, he
can do this by entering the command chmod go-w ProjectData. To prohibit
all users from adding a new file to the folder ProjectData, enter chmod -w
ProjectData. Now, not even the owner can create a new file in the directory
without first reestablishing write permissions.
Changing Ownership Permissions
Other important commands to control the ownership and permissions of the file
system components are chown (change owner) and chgrp (change group). The
command chown can be used to transfer ownership of a file to another user.
However, only root is permitted to perform this change.
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Installation and Administration
categories)