Introduction to Computer Operations * Pima Community College * CSC135 -- 4.17 VAX File Protection

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4.17 VAX File Protection

File protection and file accessibility are important features that make time sharing systems usable. Keeping people from accessing files that they are not permitted to access while allowing un-restricted access to files that they are allowed to access is difficult to implement in practice. In this lab we will look at DEC's approach to allowing and limiting access to files.

Note:
Command names and parameters can be abbreviated (shortened) when giving commands to the VAX/VMS system. So, find out how much for the words you enter in this lab. It can save quit a bit of time.

Copy over a file to wook with from the class area.
```
$ copy class:heaven.txt *
```
Use the SHOW PROTECTION command to show your default protection.
Use the SET PROTECTION command to change the OWNER protection of the file HEAVEN.TXT to READ, WRITE, and EXECUTE (remove DELETE).
Check it with the DIRECTORY/PROTECTION command.
```
 
$ SET PROTECTION=OWNER:RWE HEAVEN.TXT
```
Attempt to delete HEAVEN.TXT;0. If you changed the protection correctly, the delete will fail. You may need to use a different version number, other than zero.
Change the protection of all .COM files to allow GROUP and WORLD users READ and EXECUTE access.
Check the protection with the DIRECTORY/PROTECTION command.
```
$ SET PROTECTION=(GROUP:RE,WORLD:RE) *.COM;*
```
Use the following command to list the protections to the file PROTECT.LIS.
```
DIRECTORY /PROTECTION /OUTPUT=PROTECT.LIS
```
Undo part and change GROUP and WORLD access back to NONE.
```
 
$ SET PROTECTION=(GROUP,WORLD) *.COM;*
```

Print and turn in a printed copy of the directory listing that you placed in the file PROTECT.LIS marked:

Your-Name
Lab 4.17: VAX File Protections
TABER CSC135

Place the lab in the instructor hand-in box in BUS R6E, the "terminal room".

Instructor: ltaber@pima.edu** Red's Home page** The Pima College Site