Introduction
What are ACLs?
ACLs versus Traditional Permissions
ACLs though powerful add additional complexity to the system and do have some limitations discussed further down this article. You will notice throughout the Bonsai Framework we add ACLs only when absolutely necessary.
Limitations
Support in Utilities - For example, the version of GNU tar packaged with the OS may not back up or restore ACLs.
Standardizing Across Operating Systems - Moving files with ACLs between operating systems that both support ACLs may not work.
References
Good introduction from the Ubuntu docs - https://help.ubuntu.com/community/FilePermissionsACLs
Slightly Skeptical view on ACLs - http://www.softpanorama.org/Articles/slightly_skeptical_view_on_unix_acl.shtml