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On a Linux (Ubuntu, although a non-distribution-specific solution is preferred) machine, I would like to give another user read and write access to some of my files. Neither of us is an admin, so we can't create a group. Can this be done?

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Is this another user on the same machine? Or a different machine on the same local network? Or is the user somewhere across the Internet? – Mike Rowave Oct 9 '11 at 14:38
If you don't need a "real" bidirectional share, the recipient of the files can create a "drop box" folder with write-only permissions into which you can copy the files he wants to get. – Daniel Beck Oct 9 '11 at 15:44
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Check if there is a "getfacl" command.

If there is such command you are able to use ACL's. It is extension of standard privilages system. You are able then to run command:

setfacl -m u:username:rw filename
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This does seem to be exactly what I want, although unfortunately it's not available on this system. – Tom Future Oct 11 '11 at 6:03
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Other than to rsync back and forth, I cannot think of a "good" solution. I'd recommend something like this:

  • User A -> rsync -> $userB/userA
  • User B -> rsync -> $userA/userB

Therefore you always have your copy. After that I'd "diff out" the files changed.

  • User A -> find userB/ -atime...
  • User B -> the reverse.

I wouldn't recommend giving immediate write permissions; I can imagine some file-locking issues.

I'd suggest a common NFS/FTP share somewhere else.

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