Access Privileges in Computing Systems

• Read (R): This privilege allows a user or process to view the contents of a file or to list the contents of a directory. For example, a user with read access to a document can open and view it, but cannot make changes.
• Write (W): This privilege grants permission to modify the contents of a file or to add, delete, or rename files within a directory. If a user has write access to a file, they can save changes to it.
• Execute (X): For files, this privilege permits a user or process to run an executable file, such as a program or script. For directories, it allows a user to traverse into the directory to access its subdirectories or files, even if they cannot list its contents directly.
• Delete (D): This privilege allows a user or process to permanently remove a file or directory from the system. It is often a distinct privilege from Write, preventing accidental deletion while still allowing modification.
• Create: This privilege permits a user or process to create new files or directories within a specified location. While sometimes bundled with 'Write' for directories, it can be a separate permission, particularly for specific object types.

These common privileges are fundamental in defining access control, as discussed in sources like Joseph Migga Kizza's "Guide to Computer Network Security", which outlines basic access rights such as Read, Write, and Execute in the context of access control models.