umask

Question 1

what is unmask (not command)?

Answer 1

A special variable used to alter the permissions on all new files and directories by taking away select file and directory permissions.

AKA sets the defulats for newly made files

Question 2

Q: What does the common umask value 022 mean for new files and directories?

Answer 2

A:

0: No permissions removed from the user (owner)

2: Write permission removed from the group

2: Write permission removed from others

This means new files/directories will not allow group or others to write by default.

Question 3

Q: Does the umask command modify permissions of existing files and directories?

Answer 3

A: No, umask only applies to newly created files and directories. To change permissions of existing files or directories, use the chmod command.

Question 4

what command do you run for finding the current unmask settings?

Answer 4

unmask