Users and Groups in Unix and Linux
In a Nutshell - CIW Course Section 3, Part A2, Chapter 8
Adding Users
useradd is the automated utility to add new users in a Linux environment. Adding users manually involves editing the Linux system files. These system files are:
- passwd
- shadow
- logon.defs
- group
and are all contained in the /etc directory.
The useradd utility, located in /usr/sbin/, operates in two modes. The first is used to set the default values which will be used when creating accounts, the second actually creates the accounts.
The usermod utility is another tool for managing user accounts, this one allows for modifying the account details.
linuxconf
The linuxconf program is a graphical user interface (GUI) usually run on X Windows. It allows administration of many Linux features including users and groups.
When linuxconf is first started you expand the User Accounts branch of the tree in the left-pane of the window. Further expand the Normal branch and click on User Accounts. All configures accounts will be displayed in the right-pane.
Click the Add button to display a new pane with fields to be filled for the new account.
Click Accept when done.