Execute bits are to Linux/UNIX as to .exe and .com and .bat files are to
DOS/Windows. One of the key differences between Linux and DOS/Windows is
that the name.extension of a file does not effect if a file is
executable or not. If the x bit is set the file is considered
executable.

The read bit means exactly that it is possible to read the contents of
the file. It does not mean you can actually read it it might be a binary
file.

The write bit also means exactly that, it is possible to write to the
file or modify the file.

Cheers,

Davidm

On Sun, 2002-12-15 at 20:46, Michael Havens wrote:
> I am perplexed.
> I know that Hans was good and discussed this at a newbies meeting but I didn't 
> quite understand it.
> 777 = rwx rwx rwx
> 
> What exactly is 'execute'? I mean isn't executing it just like reading it? Or 
> does reading it imply changing it, but if that is the case what is the 
> 'writing' option? Or else is 'x' not execute but change? But again, that is 
> the same as 'write'. Or is write like 'add data' whle change is 'change the 
> program'?
> 
> Now we move on to 'umask'. The best that I can figure is that everyone is 
> assigned.... No . That doesn't work
> 
> What in the world is 'umask'?
> 
> :-)~Mike~(-:
> 
> By the way, I am no longer the proud owner of RedHat but rather the proud 
> father of a bouncing baby Mandrake!
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David IS Mandala
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