Lab 4 Warnings / Debrief

Preparing for Lab 4

Purpose of Lab 4

The /etc/passwd file

The /etc/passwd file contains user account information for the Linux system.

It is comprised of several fields:

1. Username
2. Password: An x character indicates that encrypted password is stored in /etc/shadow file.
3. User ID (UID)
4. Group ID (GID)
5. User ID Information
6. Default Home directory
7. Default shell

Managing User Accounts

A Linux system administrator will be required to manage user accounts on an on-going basis.

Various Linux commands for user account management includes:

• useradd - Creates a user account in /etc/passwd file (the option -m creates a home directory for the user)
• userdel - Removes an existing user account contained in the /etc/passwd file (the option -r removes the user's home directory as well)
• usermod - Modifies fields contained in the /etc/passwd file for that particular username

Common Mistakes / Warnings

Be Aware of the Following Issues
Be aware of these common mistakes that students make that can cause problems for their future labs.

Preparing for Lab Sign-Off

Students should be prepared with all required commands (system information) displayed in a terminal (or multiple terminals) prior to calling the instructor for signoff.

In order to properly complete your lab and move to the next lab, you must have your instructor "sign-off" on your lab

• Each "signed-off" lab (before due date) is worth 1% of your final grade.
• Signing-off on labs help to spot errors that can cause problems with future labs.
• Do you ask the instructor what to check for! Read at the bottom of the lab the requirements, and have all proof available for instructor to view at same time.
• Failing to be prepared and asking instructor what to check when assignment is mark will result in deduct of marks!
• For example, open multiple terminals with command results. If properly set-up ahead of sign-off, the process should only take instructor approx 20 seconds to sign-off your lab.
• If you do not have your lab-logbook, you MUST show your work and your lab log-book to your instructor for sign-off in the next class. This may cause a late penalty if past the required due date.