just add apache to the users group.
permissions owner group directory ============================================ rwx --x --x root root /home rwx --x --- paul wwwrun /home/paul rwx --x --- paul wwwrun /home/paul/dir_1 rwx r-x --- paul wwwrun /home/paul/dir_1/webpages
So actually this must read: permissions owner group directory ============================================ rwx --x --x root root /home rwx --x --- paul users /home/paul rwx --x --- paul users /home/paul/dir_1 rwx r-x --- paul users /home/paul/dir_1/webpages ?? And add user 'wwwrun' to the 'users'-group?
(oh, and yes to your other question ...)
So that means: 1) don't have the g+rwx for the home-directories 2) you're going to change your /home directory's settings! ;-)
Paul Miles All Secure Networks
Thanks again!