FTP: CHMOD

Usually for people who want to use certain scripts, for example the scripts available at Jemjabella, you will need to CHMOD a few files – which could be unfamiliar to you.

CHMOD is an abbreviation of ‘change mode’. When you do this to a document you are basically changing the mode or permission of the files. Sometimes you need to CHMOD to allow the file to be read and written. A good example to explain this is with a CD or compact disc.

A normal CD would only be allowed to be read, like the album of your favourite band. However you can buy those rewritable CDs, right? When you CHMOD, you can change the mode to something that would allow the file to be written on and, basically, added to.

Jemjabella’s guestbook script is something that requires this.

• Upload the files you want to CHMOD to your site through your FTP. Refresh to see the uploaded files.
   
• When you see the file you want to CHMOD (in your website, not on your computer files), right click (secondary click) the file with your mouse.
   
• In the menu that appears, there should be an option Set Attributes or Change Attributes or something similar. Click on this.
   
• A dialog box should open up, with selections of permissions for you (owner), other hostees (group) or your visitors (public). Generally everyone is allowed to read all your files, and only you are allowed to edit them (write). The number for this is 644.
   
• Sometimes when you are installing something you need to CHMOD the file to a certain number. Simply type the number in the box and click Set Attribute. I use Leech FTP, and this is what my dialog box looks like:
  
• You may also get the written command: owner: read, write; group: read, write; public: read, write (that’s the same as 666). In this case, you just check or un-check the boxes accordingly.
   
• Click Set Attributes. You should only have to wait a few seconds for the changes to be applied.

For Windows hosting plans, this may not work and you may come up with an error, as not all platforms understand CHMOD.

You are usually instead provided with a folder called cgi-bin or cgi, pre-configured to allow files being writable by scripts. So if you do get an error message, try putting the script in one of these folders.

For Reference

Just for your interest, here is a table showing the numbers and the permissions set.