Using a Group Directory

In order to have multiple people access the same files, Unix uses groups. In the example, the group is called staff.

To use the files in the staff group directory simply type:
be staff
and you will become part of that group, and your home directory will be changed to the group directory, plus your prompt will have the group name in it to remind you that you are the group now.

When you are doing working with the group files, and want to be yourself again, simply type exit or logout, and you will return to yourself.

Other Considerations

By using the be command the permissions on the files should be set correctly. However, if they are not, the owner of the file will have to change them. (See the accompanying doc on Unix File Protections.) Or, then can run the grouprot command which will try to protect all the files with the proper mode.

Note: if files are cp'd from another non-group directory often permissions will be wrong and have to be fixed. See the protections page for more info, but normally:

• directories: chmod 2770 dirname

• executable files: chmod 770 filename

• regular files: chmod 660 filename

• all files: chgrp groupname filename