Ownership and Permissions
Every Linux file (and directory) is owned and has a set of associated permissions—which specify who can do what with it—collectively referred to as a mode.
There are three kinds of owners:
User, a single user ID indicating the user who is primarily responsible for the file. You automatically own, as user, any files you create.
Group, the group of the user who owns the file. (For information on associated users and groups using the Gnome desktop control panel, see Chapter 6.) All users within a group have the same permissions in relation to a file.
Other, meaning any user who is not a user-owner or member of the group that owns a file.
It's worth noting again that a Linux owner need not be a human being. Programs—such as ...
Get Red Hat Linux 6: Visual QuickPro Guide now with the O’Reilly learning platform.
O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.