SVR3 passwd changes mode of passwd file

[Johnnie Peters]

In article <3394 at dunkshot.mips.COM>, dce at mips.COM (David Elliott) writes:
> 
> It turns out that the System V (or at least SVR3) version of the
> passwd command will cause the resultant passwd file to be mode
> 0444.  I have had a couple of complaints about this, and would like
> to decide on a solution.
> 
> Is it reasonable to have passwd fix the mode of the new /etc/passwd
> to be the same as the current /etc/passwd?

	It is entirely reasonable for passwd to set the modes of /etc/passwd
to 0444.  I fyou don't believe this try working for a company like Unisys
in O.S. support for unix.  The first time a customer calls and says things
like:

	I just accidentaly deleted my passwd file.  What can I do?

	I saved the passwd file and now it wont let anybody on.  What
	do I do?

	I forgot the root password.  What do I do?

you will understand why the passwd file is protected as well as possible.

	What you say,  "That can never happen to me!!!!!  I know what I
am doing!!!!!!!"  Well I know what I am doing and a few days ago spent
an hour restoring miscelaneous files because of a "MINOR" mistake.  You
will too one day.

					--  Johnnie  --