Exam Essentials

Understand the hierarchical file system structure. The base of the file system is the root directory (/). Every directory other than root has a parent directory. Each parent can have one or more child directories, called subdirectories, or files within them.

Know the difference between an absolute pathname and a relative pathname. A file's absolute pathname describes its place in the hierarchical file system. A relative pathname describes the path to the file in relation to the current working directory.

Understand the limitations of hard links. Hard links cannot point to a directory, must point to an existing file, and must be located in the same file system as the linked file.

Understand the basic Solaris security structure. Users are classified as being the owner, being a member of the owner's group, or belonging to the other group. Permissions are Read, Write, and Execute.

Know how to set file permissions by using symbolic mode. Permissions can be set by using the chmod command with symbolic arguments. For example, to add group Execute permission on file1, you would use chmod g+x file1.

Know how to set file permissions by using absolute mode. Permissions can be set by using the chmod command with an octal argument. To enable Read, Write, and Execute for the owner, Read and Execute for group, and no access for other on dir1, you would use chmod 750 dir1.

Understand what SetUID and SetGID do. When either SetUID or SetGID are enabled, the application assumes the identity of the owner or group owner, respectively, of the file in order to run the application properly.

Understand what a sticky bit does. A sticky bit prevents the file from being deleted by anyone other than the owner of the file, a member of the group owner of the file, or the superuser.

Know what the umask does. The umask restricts the default permissions on new files and directories, increasing security.