Chapter 7. Ownerships and Permissions

From the beginning, Linux was designed to be a multiuser system (unlike Windows, which was designed as a sole user OS, the source of much of its security problems even to this day). This meant that different users would be on the system, creating files, deleting directories, and reading various items. To keep everyone from stepping on each other's toes and damaging the underlying operating system itself, a system of permissions was created early on. Mastering the art of Linux permissions will aid you as you use your Linux box, whether it's a workstation used by one person or a server accessed by hundreds. The tools are simple, but the power they give you is complex. Time to jump in!