HOW TO USE MAC OS X 10.4: SETTING PRIVILEGES

Mac OS X 10.4 makes it possible for you to your files or folders with others.

If you are sharing a computer with other users, you may want to set the privileges on your important files and folders. Depending on how you set the privileges, this can keep your files and folders from being read, modified, or even opened.

The available permission levels are Read Only, Read and Write, or No Access.

Setting privileges is a powerful way to share documents. However, setting permissions incorrectly (e.g., giving permission to the wrong person/group) can result in accidents such as loss of your data.

Click on the file or folder for which you want to set privileges so that it is highlighted.
Click on File at the top of your screen, and then click on Get Info.
This will bring up the Info window for your file or folder. (In the screen example below, the Info window for the "My Stuff" folder is displayed.)
Click on the triangle icon beside Ownership & Permissions.
Unlock the folder by making sure the Locked checkbox is unchecked. Click on the checkbox next to Locked if a checkmark is displayed.
Select the person and/or group for whom you want to set privileges, as well as the desired Access level for each, from the corresponding drop-down lists. Click on the up/down arrows to display the list choices.
When you have set the privileges as you want them, click on the Apply to enclosed items button.
You'll be asked if you really want to make your changes. Click on the OK button.
Click on the Locked checkbox again to lock your changes, and then close the panel.