Option | Description |
---|---|
-c | Adds a comment to the user’s account |
-d | Specifies the user’s home directory |
-e | Sets the expiration date for the user’s account |
-f | Sets the number of days after the password expires until the account is disabled |
-g | Sets the user’s primary group |
-G | Adds the user to secondary groups |
-m | Creates the user’s home directory |
-r | Creates a system account |
-s | Sets the user’s login shell |
-u | Sets the user’s UID |
Are you new to Linux and want to create a new user account? Linux is a multi-user operating system that allows multiple users to use the same system simultaneously. Each user has a unique account with a username, password, permissions, and settings. In this beginner’s guide, we will show you step-by-step how to make a new user in Linux.
Creating a new user in Linux
- Linux allows you to create multiple users with different levels of access
- The process involves using the command-line interface and setting up user permissions
- A step-by-step guide for beginners is provided in this article
Step 1: Log in as Root User
To create a new user in Linux, you need root access. The root user is the administrator of the system and has permission to perform any action on the system. To log in as root, open a terminal window and type the following command:
sudo su
After entering your password, you’ll be logged in as root.
Step 2: Create a New User Account
Now that you’re logged in as root, you can create a new user account using the useradd
command. The syntax for the useradd
command is as follows:
useradd [options] username
Replace “username” with the name you want to give to the new user. You can also add various options to the command to specify the user’s home directory, shell, and other settings.
For instance, to create a new user named “johndoe” with the home directory “/home/johndoe” and the bash shell, use the following command:
useradd -d /home/johndoe -s /bin/bash johndoe
Step 3: Set a Password for the New User
Now that you’ve created a new user account, set a password for the user using the passwd
command. The syntax for the passwd
command is as follows:
passwd username
Replace “username” with the name of the user you just created. You will be prompted to enter a new password for the user. Please choose a strong password that is difficult to guess.
For example, to set a password for the user “johndoe,” use the following command:
passwd johndoe
Step 4: Test the New User Account
To test the new user account, log out of the root account by typing the following command:
exit
Then, type the following command to log in as the new user:
su - johndoe
Replace “johndoe” with the name of the user you just created. You will be prompted to enter the password for the user. Once you enter the password, you will be logged in as the new user.
Conclusion
Real-Life Scenario: The Importance of Creating a New User in Linux
As a freelance web developer, I work with a team of developers on various projects. Recently, we encountered a security breach on one of our servers, which led to the loss of important project files. After investigating the incident, we realized that the breach was caused by a team member who had been terminated but still had access to the server.
To prevent such incidents from happening again, we decided to create new users for every team member who needed access to the server. This way, we could easily revoke access for any terminated employee without disrupting the work of the rest of the team.
Creating new users in Linux not only helps to improve security but also helps to organize access to files and services. In this step-by-step guide, I will show you how to create a new user in Linux, whether you are managing a server or just using Linux on your personal computer.
Creating a new user account in Linux is a simple process that requires a few basic commands. By following the steps in this guide, you can create a new user account and set a password for the user. This will allow you to share your Linux system with other users while maintaining security and privacy.
Insider Tips
- Use strong passwords for your user accounts to keep your system secure.
- You can add additional options to the
useradd
command to specify things like the user’s group, UID, and GID. - You can use the
userdel
command to delete a user account when it is no longer needed.
Creating a new user in Linux is an essential task that every Linux user should know. By following this beginner’s guide, you can create a new user account in Linux easily. As a beginner, it’s important to understand the different options available with the useradd
command and the potential risks and benefits of these options. With practice, you’ll be able to create and manage user accounts in Linux like a pro.
FAQ
Q. Who can make a new user in Linux?
A. Anyone with sudo privileges can make a new user in Linux.
Q. What is the command to create a new user in Linux?
A. The command to create a new user in Linux is “sudo adduser [username]”.
Q. How do I give a new user sudo privileges in Linux?
A. Use the command “sudo usermod -aG sudo [username]” to give a new user sudo privileges.
Q. What if I forget the password for the new user account in Linux?
A. Use the command “sudo passwd [username]” to reset the password for the new user account.
Q. How can I delete a user account in Linux?
A. Use the command “sudo deluser [username]” to delete a user account in Linux.
Q. What if I accidentally delete the wrong user account in Linux?
A. Use the command “sudo useradd [username]” to recreate the deleted user account in Linux.