Indiana University

IU Webmaster

How to set the default file and directory permissions

By using the umask command in the right "dot" file, you can set the default file and directory permissions automatically each time you create/upload a new directory or file in your Webserve account.

  1. Login to your Webserve account using the PuTTY client. For instructions, please see How to use PuTTY on Webserve.

  2. The umask command needs to be placed in the .cshrc file for the csh and tcsh shells and in the .profile file for the ksh shell.

    To find out which shell you're currently using, type: 
    echo $SHELL
    and hit enter.

  3. Open either .cshrc or .profile file.

    Type the following at the end of the current file: 
    umask 022
    This will give you write and read permissions, and others read permissions on new directories and files.