The popular Windows FTP client WS_FTP from Ipswitch Software (available in Home, Professional and Server versions) can be used to change file and directory permissions. On UNIX systems these control whether files are writable (W), readable (R) or executable (X). All three permissions are set for the User, the Group and for Other (also known as All).
The instructions below work for WS_FTP but are broadly applicable to any modern FTP client with the exception of Internet Explorer which sometimes fails to allow changes to file permissions.
To set the permissions:-
- Use WS_FTP to connect to the website
- Navigate to the required file or directory
- Select (highlight) the relevant file/directory....
- ... and right-click.
- From the list of options choose "chmod (UNIX)
Common Permissions:
| User | Group | Other | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Directories | RWX | R-X | R-X |
| Files (HTML) | RWX | R-X | R-X |
| Script files (CGI) | RWX | R-X | R-X |
NB: if you are uploading script files then note that these often reside in
/cgi-bin or /cgi. The webserver may not execute them if they are placed anywhere
else (this will obviously depend on your ISP).
Script files typically need Read and EXecute permissions
to work, typically for the User. For security reasons, many modern web servers
will not execute scripts that also have Read and Execute for Other
enabled - so if things don't work, check the ISP's readme's and HowTo's !