Default user configuration: Where are these files?
 

In Mandriva (for example), home directory default permissions are 755, which means that users can access other users' files and folders! I know how to change permissions - chmod, chown, chgrp - however, how can I change the default settings so that, for example, home folders are set to 750 instead of 755.

That's my first question, and this leads me to a more general question. Where are the configuration files for setting user defaults? As a pseudo-administrator at home, I'd like to be able to set up the household default user accounts to reflect the use which will be made of them (links, desktop settings, permissions, groups, network settings, etc.)

And, conversely, does anyone know of a good HowTo or tutorial on setting individual user settings (hidden files in home directories)? Perhaps a site which explains, in a simple and clear way, how user configuration files work?

Many thanks.

For default permissions on home directories, take a look at "umask" (man umask). Changing the umask value will only affect new accounts, so for existing accounts, you would need to change the permissions using chmod.

User defaults are usually set globally or in hidden files located in /etc/skel. The files in /etc/skel are copied to a users home directory when their account is created (unless overidden by the admin). Unfortunately I don't know a tutorial that can help you.

reddazz,

Thanks for your reply. I do remember reading about the skel directory, however, in Mandriva, when I have a look this is what I get:
There must be more configuration files than that, aren't there? I'll have a look at "man umask" too.

Thanks for the tips. I'm going to do a little more Googling and reading and report back once I've done a little more research.

I think you've put me on the right track.