LKBEN11165: Howto add a user to a debian like system


Symptom

You want to add users to your debian, kubuntu, ubuntu, knoppix, ... system.

Cause

none

Solution

To add an remove users in debian you use the adduser, addgroup and deluser commands. They are friendlier front ends to the low level linux tools like useradd, groupadd and usermod programs. Adduser and addgroup add users and groups to the system according to command line options and configuration information in /etc/adduser.conf. Deluser can remove users and groups and remove users from a given group.

The debian way of adding users is easier than adding them by hand. Adduser will choose appropriate UID and GID values, create a home directory, copy skeleton user configuration, allow you to set an initial password and the GECOS field. Deluser can optionally remove and backup the user's home directory and mail spool or all files on the system owned by him.

Optionally a custom script can be executed after each of the commands.

e.g.

adduser testuser

Now you will have to answer a few questions like the password, Full Name, Room Number, ...

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this document is intended for your information only. Lubby makes no claims to the validity of this information. Use of this information is at own risk!

About the Author

Author: Wim Peeters - Keskon GmbH & Co. KG

Wim Peeters is electronics engineer with an additional master in IT and over 30 years of experience, including time spent in support, development, consulting, training and database administration. Wim has worked with SQL Server since version 6.5. He has developed in C/C++, Java and C# on Windows and Linux. He writes knowledge base articles to solve IT problems and publishes them on the Lubby Knowledge Platform.

Latest update: 02/10/2020 | Comment: