write protection: root vs. user

[shaggyman87]

For the longest time I was logged in as root, but have decided to just run the system as user, which I've been advised I should. I copied over my fvwm config files over to the user's directory and logged in as user, but when I went to go edit the file Abiword told me there was an error. It tells me the directory I'm trying to write to is write-protected.

I'm guessing this is because I made the directory, wrote the file, and saved the file all while as root and now I'm trying to go back and edit it as user. Is there anyway to change the permissions on files or whole directorys?

[Zelmo]

As root, use the chown command with the "-R" option. That'll let you change the owner of a directory and everything under it. If needed, you can also use "-R" with chmod to set the permissions you need.

[shaggyman87]

Very cool, that did what I need now I can write files as user. Thanks.