Linux Online - Getting Started with Linux

Getting Started with Linux - Lesson 3

Working as another user

Well, then how do you do your day to day work with Linux? That's easy. You do it by working as a user other than root. You may pick the name you like. Try your name. If your name is "Bob" then you could create a user account for 'bob'. By the way, if Prince Charles is reading this, Charles Philip Arthur George is a bit too long and has spaces, which Linux doesn't like - he should try 'charlie'. One thing I find EXTREMELY helpful is that with Linux, I can work as different people. It should not be inferred here that I have split-personality disorder. I am just a guy with a couple of different jobs. This way I can organize my work a lot better and backups are easier this way too.

Adding a new user

Well, Bob, now it's time to create your account. If your name is Hrothgar, use 'Hrothgar' or 'Hrothie' instead of 'bob' for the remainder of the lesson.

Now 'root' has to do this stuff. Yes, I know I just warned you about working as root, but this is where you have to exert your authority. Most major distributions have tools to do this. SuSE, for example, has a nice tool called YAST which lets you add users painlessly. You just fill in the correct information. Consult your Linux version for information on their tools. There is also the get-your-hands-dirty way of doing this. Actually you won't get your hands dirty unless you're eating barbecued ribs at the same time.

Using 'useradd' and 'passwd'

To add a new user, you can also use the command 'useradd'. Kind of a logical name, isn't it?

Try this: useradd bob. You probably won't see any fireworks go off. You might not see anything. That doesn't matter. Linux has been told that there's a new user and his name's 'bob'.

Now you should give yourself a password.

Do this: passwd bob

Linux will ask you for your password. Follow the same advice I gave previously about passwords. Also, don't use your 'root' password. Like 'one man, one vote' it's 'one user - one password'. You will be asked to repeat it.

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