How does one chmode a directory? 2

[caseyc]

"This directory must be chmoded 777 so that messages can be <br>
written into it by the server's UID." (Matt Write, '

http://WWWBoard

Version 2.0 ALPHA 2,' ©1999)<br>
What does this mean, and how is it done? I would appreciate any feedback.

 

[MikeLacey]

As far as I'm aware the chmod command is only for unix - it set's permissions on a file or directory and so should be handled with care. For example - the permissions "777" are fairly wide and allow anyone to to delete files in that directory. I think you should consider the consequences of that for a bit before you chmod the directory.<br>
<br>
Mike<br>

 

[caseyc]

Thanks for the feedback Mike, and although the chmode command is a Unix based operation, its root programming language is in 'C' like most systems. I am operating a message board on one of my websites through the FormMail actions of my internet service provider's cgi-bin. I get the messages in my E-mail and then post them manualy on my website. It is a rather primitive way of doing things because my service provider's cgi-bin does't have a

http://wwwboard

cgi-script.<br>
I D/L'd one of Matt Write's free cgi-scripts which requires editing. I thought, sure peice of cake, I can do that; but this is when I came across the

http://wwwboard

directory which requires being chmoded 777 in order for internet users to post messages on the message board and then have the server write these messages into the directory itself. I am now learning to program 'C' and it is my anticipation that I should learn to write the chmode 777 code soon.<br>
Thanks for your previous feedback.

 

[robherc]

I'm not sure if you want to chmod it to 777 so quickly....755 or 775 seems MUCH more reasonable.<br>
777 allows anyone to read/write/delete (including you, members of the board, and ANYONE ELSE AT ALL); 775 allows you, & your members to read/write/delete...but it only allows unnamed visitors to read/write; 755 allows ONLY YOU to read/write/delete while members & visitors may only read/write.<br>
Hope I was of some help.<br>
<br>
Robherc

 

[caseyc]

Thanks rob, call me a fool, but I kind of like the idea of operating on an honor basis between fellow organization members, where everyone can responsibly post, read, or delete messages left by others. The one question in particular still remains, however, how does one chmode a directory? Be it 777, 775, or whatever? That is the question. The first person to answer this question correctly will recieve the Grand Prize!

 

[MikeLacey]

#!/bin/perl<br>
<br>
system('chmod 777 dirname');<br>

 

[robherc]

OK, grand prize entry: Go through tel-net and use the command: set chmod 777 (or 775, 755, etc.)