Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!ncrlnk!ncr-sd!hp-sdd!ucsdhub!ucsd!ames!vsi1!wyse!mips!sultra!dtynan
From: dtynan@sultra.UUCP (Der Tynan)
Newsgroups: comp.bugs.sys5
Subject: Re: SVR3 passwd changes mode of passwd file
Summary: Don't make decisions for me.
Message-ID: <2537@sultra.UUCP>
Date: 23 Sep 88 23:40:13 GMT
References: <3394@dunkshot.mips.COM> <5060001@hpsal2.HP.COM>
Organization: Ultrasystems DSI, Sunnyvale, CA
Lines: 13

Ok, ok,  I wasn't going to get involved, but...
I personally do not believe that 'passwd' should chmod the file.  I think it
should replace the original mode.  My justification for this, is that if
someone wants /etc/passwd to be 0444 then SET it that way.  If you want it
to be 0644, ditto.  It's up to you, not 'passwd'.  I don't like things
second-guessing me like that.  If someone thinks it's important that I keep
the password file read-only for everyone, then put a footnote in the Admin
manual -- don't ram it down my throat.
						- Der
-- 
Reply:	dtynan@sultra.UUCP		(Der Tynan @ Tynan Computers)
	{mips,pyramid}!sultra!dtynan
	Cast a cold eye on life, on death.  Horseman, pass by...    [WBY]