Here is how to change file permissions using cPanel:

1. log into cPanel
2. look for File Manager and follow the link
3. you will get a window that says Please select a directory to open: and a number of options
4. select Web Root (public_html/www)
5. look at the far right column. It says Perms These are the file permissions for each file using the standard Unix file permissions numbering system
6. click the permissions for the file you want to change you can edit it right on the web page
7. click “OK”

cPanel is giving you an easy interface for doing a chmod.
Unix and Unix-type file permissions appear quite cryptic at first but are easy to understand.

Chmod - What is it?

Chmod stands for Change Mode and is a command usually needed for installing CGI scripts on a UNIX server. Basically it tells the server what the file or folder permissions are, i.e. can the script read the info, or can it write information as well.

What do the Chmod Settings Mean?

Chmod tells the server the access privileges for a file. For example, common file settings are:

777: all can read / write / execute the file.
755: owner can do all, group / others can read / execute.
644: owner can read / write, group / others can read only.

Common Chmod Settings

cgi scripts: 755
data files: 666
configuration files not updated by the script: 644
directories: 777

Chmod Calculator

Many FTP programs give you something that looks like this to set chmod permissions.
This may help you try it out first and find out if you really are setting the right permissions.