How to Manage Users in Linux

Modifying Users

Changing Passwords

1. Type passwd in the command line.

2. Enter the new password for the user.

   1. Note: the cursor will not move however your password is being typed.

3. Confirm the new password.

Removing Users

1. Type userdel into the command line to delete a user.

   1. Example: userdel bob

2. Type userdel -r to also delete their home folder and files.

Sudo and Su

Terms

1. sudo: Switch User and Do
   1. Executes a command as root or another use while maintaining your current session.
2. su: Switch User
   1. Switches your session to another user.

Usage

1. Type sudo before a command to execute the command as the root user. You will be prompted for a password.

   1. Example: sudo apt-get install telnet

2. Type sudo before a command to execute the command as another user on the system. You will be promoted for that users password.

   1. Example: sudo bob telnet localhost 22

3. Type su to switch your command line session to the root user. You will be promoted for a password.

   1. Type logout to switch back.

4. Type su to switch your command line session to another user. You will be promoted for their password.

   1. Type logout to switch back.