Is there any way to make "exceptions" for certain "exclusive" people or groups when specifying File Modes?

For example. Suppose Tim owns a file with permissions 700. Obviously he does not want anyone else to have any permissions other than himself. BUT Tim DOES want users billy and bob to be able to access those files along with the two groups buddies and friends.



The only thing I can think of is making new groups for only those "exclusive" people (or making them join the group with the same name as your user name). I suppose this would be fine except when you have a system with alot of users and groups that perhaps has reached the limit (of allowable users and groups).


Is there anyway to make these "exceptions" for file modes?


Thanks, I would REALLY appreciate it!

Assuming your filesystem supports access control lists, you can set up those permissions without creating extra groups. read the man pages for setfacl and getfacl for more info on ACLs.