How do I set file permissions for files, scripts or directories?

From XpertDNS

After uploading, the file permissions for any CGI scripts should be set to 755 (rwx-rx-rx), in order to make them executable.

For many CGI scripts, it is also important that the permissions are set correctly for any files or folders to which they need access. For example, if a CGI script needs to write to a log file, then this log file will need to have write access enabled. If a CGI script needs to create, delete or rename files, then that script will need “write” permission for the folder in which this is to be done.

The following are abbreviations for permissions:

--- (or 0) = no permission
r-- (or 4) = read-only permission
rw- (or 6) = read/write permission
r-x (or 5) = read/execute permission
rwx (or 7) = read/write/execute permission

Sometimes you'll see these numbers referenced for a script. For instance, you may see a line telling you to "chmod your script to ‘755’". The first number of the three refers to the owner, whose permissions are set to 7, giving them read-write-execute abilities. The second number refers to authorized users or group, who are given read-execute permissions. The third number represents everyone else, who are also given read-execute permissions.

To change file permissions using your FTP software:

Log in to your account and go to the directory where the files are located. Highlight the file to which you would like to change permissions. Locate the "file permission" or "chmod" command on your FTP software (if you are using WS FTP, highlight the file, right click and choose "chmod"). There should be three groups. Each group should have either checkboxes or a selection for the permission type.

Set pages to rw- for the owner, r-- for the group, and r-- for other.

Set scripts to rwx for the owner, r-x group, and r-x for other.