UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Hi,
Is it true that if I am not the root I can not select access permissions to a file that I own so that my friend (who also isn't the root) can access that file?

And is it true that the only way to accomplish it is to ask the root to "put" my friend into "my" group? Then I could simply set the access rights to the file for members of my group, I think... That is why I am asking you...

For files you own you can always change the access right. So the answer is no, this is not true.

If your friend doesn't belong to the same group as you do, you will have to set the access rights in such a way that "others" have access rights to your file.

If you do not want to set permission that wide, you indeed have to ask the system administrator to add your friend to the same group as you are in.

That way you don't need to allow access to "others" but can limit it to your "group".

Just setting the access rights correct for the file might even not be enough. You have to make sure that either "others" or the "group" have the correct access rights on all directories leading to the location of your file.