The length isn't so arbitrary. I think Solaris has a limit of 1024, but don't quote me on this. Actually one of my beefs is that since ACLs aren't standard on UNIX systems and NFS doesn't support them, they simply aren't used. Many people are so entrenched in the old ways of UNIX that they don't even know about Solaris supporting ACLs. I think user editable
<nitpick> not just solaris, but irix, tru64/osf1/digital unix/todays name for it, also support ACLs </nitpick>
ACLs or security groups are generally a good thing allowing users to administer their data without help from administrators (giving them time to concentrate on tougher problems). I now get off my soap box.
ahh yes. ACLs are definately a good idea. but as far as users using them, i'm not so sure. a quick tour around most user space filesystems i have access to reveals many mode 777 files and directories. if i saw more people using the security controls which already exist, i'd be more apt to believe they would use a new feature set.
-steve