I'm scared,

[graphicks]

so I'll go ahead and admit it. I am trying to create a rule for BitPim to detect my phone. I am using Ubuntu 8.10 on a desktop computer. I have limited experience, but I'm not totally helpless. From my searches, I have found some useful information, but I have questions before I try something that will cost me.
My problem is that when trying to create a rules file according to BitPim instructions, I am not allowed to save the file. The udev folder is owned by root. I understand that I can: sudo chown greg udev to get permissions for the folder.
What worries me is putting the permissions back after I have done this. Will there be any problems with changing this folder from root? What steps need to be taken after I do this? I saw in one search, that the permissions may return to root after rebooting. Is that correct?
I don't want to crash my system. And I'm not a fan of "just re-install". That doesn't teach me anything.

Thanks for you help,
Greg

[jmadero]

As far as I know this shouldn't be a problem. You should be able to change the permissions back, as for changing permissions back automatically on reboot...I've never heard of this so I can't comment on it but I don't see how it would crash your system regardless. You're just saving an individual file, no clue how that would cause terrible damage. Worst case if this happens you can recovery boot it, terminal to that folder and delete the saved file

[tomslick]

you could just create or edit the file as root.

or run bitpim as root and then you will not need to change your udev rules

[Bemk]

I think you should go with tomslicks advice. I always try to stay away from changing rights so you can do more as a user. Go for using root or if you have it, sudo.

[darkrose0510]

Since you're using Ubuntu, then:

gksudo gedit /path/to/file

will allow you to edit (and save) the file.

[graphicks]

Thanks for the replies. The 'gksudo" really worked at letting me create and save the file. That problem is resolved. Now I have a new one. I'll work on it a while, and hopefully I can solve it. If not I'll ask.

Thanks again,
Greg

[Bemk]

I personally prefer the command:

sudo

over gksudo, because it will ask your password in the terminal (window) and doesn't show whether or not the character is typed(this may seem odd, but people watching are confused more easily, you just have to type your password correctly).

Try out sudo as well, and choose the one you prefer I'd say.