Permissions.... FTP and Html

[david b west]

VPS account, index.php is the file.....

If i download a file via ftp, modify it, and then upload it, the permissions (ownership i think) change and it is no longer executed. the visible permissions on my ftp--- ie. 644, 744,755,777 does not make any difference when i change them.....

if i then open up the file via cPanel's editor, make a change in a COMMENT line of code (any change), and then save it- it will now run.... modded i assume by web server instead of "nobody"


is there a simple config change that i can make somewhere that will change this? or any suggestions on how to dl,edit,ul so that the original owner stays in tact?

thanks