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File Permissions and Unix Permissions

File permissions are a fundamental aspect of computer security and file management, controlling the ability of users to read, write, and execute files on a file system. They are essential for maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data within a computer network or on a standalone computer.

File-System Permissions

File-system permissions are the rules that determine who can access or modify files and directories in a file system. These permissions are generally categorized into three types:

  1. Read Permission: Allows a user to open and view the contents of a file.
  2. Write Permission: Permits a user to modify or delete the file.
  3. Execute Permission: Grants the ability to run a file as a program or script.

These permissions can be assigned to different classes of users including the file owner, a group of users, and others (everyone else).

Unix Permissions

Unix and Unix-like operating systems employ a specific model of file permissions that are based on three classes: owner, group, and others, each of which can have read, write, and execute permissions. This model is implemented through a bitmask, a simple and efficient way to store the permissions in a single integer:

  • Owner: The user who owns the file. They have the ability to modify the file permissions as needed.
  • Group: A defined group of users that can share permissions to a file. This is particularly useful in a multi-user environment.
  • Others: All other users on the system that do not fall into the owner or group categories.

Permissions in Unix systems are often changed and viewed using the chmod command, which allows users to alter permissions in either symbolic or numeric form.

Commands and Tools
  • chmod: A command-line utility used to change the permissions of a file. Permissions can be specified in symbolic format (e.g., u+rwx) or octal (e.g., 755).
  • ls: This command is used to list files and directories. The -l option can be used to display the permissions of each file.
  • umask: A command that sets default permissions for newly created files by applying a permissions mask.

Advanced Concepts
  • Access-Control Lists (ACLs): These offer a more granular level of permission control compared to traditional Unix permissions. ACLs allow permissions to be set for individual users or groups beyond the basic owner-group-others model.
  • Capability-based Security: Contrasts with traditional Unix permissions by allowing more flexible and dynamic permission management.

Implementations in Different Systems

While Unix and Unix-like systems offer a robust and standardized model of file permissions, other operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, implement different permission systems like AGDLP (Accounts, Global, Domain Local, Permissions) which apply specific rules based on user accounts and group memberships.

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