In Linux, you can manage user accounts through Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) for simplicity or Command Line Interfaces (CLI) for speed and advanced control.
1. Administering Users via GUI
GUI tools are best for basic tasks like adding a new person, changing a password, or toggling administrator rights.
- Settings (Standard GNOME/Ubuntu):
- Navigate to Settings > Users.
- You must click the Unlock button and enter your sudo password before making changes.
- Common actions include clicking Add User, toggling the Administrator switch, or clicking Remove User.
2. Administering Users via Command Line
The command line provides precise control and is essential for servers without a desktop interface.
| Task | Command | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Add User | sudo useradd -m username | Creates a new user and their home directory (-m). |
| Set Password | sudo passwd username | Sets or resets a user’s password. |
| Modify User | sudo usermod -aG group user | Appends (-a) the user to a specific group (-G). |
| Lock Account | sudo passwd -l username | Prevents the user from logging in without deleting data. |
| Delete User | sudo userdel -r username | Removes the user and their home directory (-r). |