How to Add or Remove a User on Ubuntu Linux

How to add User from the command line

You can add a user on Ubuntu Linux using the command line with the `adduser` command. To create a new user, type `sudo adduser` followed by the username you want, like `sudo adduser octopus`. Ubuntu will then guide you through setting up the new account and its details.

For example, to create a new user account named octopus, you would run the commands below:

sudo adduser octopus

When you run the commands above, you’ll be asked questions about the detail of the account you’re creating. You’ll have to enter and confirm a password, but providing answers for the others is optional.

Enter new UNIX password: 
Retype new UNIX password: 
passwd: password updated successfully
Changing the user information for octopus
Enter the new value, or press ENTER for the default
	Full Name []: 
	Room Number []: 
	Work Phone []: 
	Home Phone []: 
	Other []: 
Is the information correct? [Y/n] Y

Type Y to create the account if the information you entered is correct.

With the account being created, if you want to make the account an administrator or allow the account to make changes to the machine, you’ll need to add the User to the sudo group.

Run the commands below to do so.

sudo usermod -aG sudo octopus

That’s how one creates a user on Ubuntu Linux via the command line terminal.

How to add a User on Ubuntu Desktop

Adding a new user on Ubuntu Desktop is simple using the graphical settings. Click the System Menu at the top, then choose ‘Settings’. Look for ‘Users’ on the left-side menu and select it. You’ll need to click ‘Unlock’ in the top-right corner to make changes and add your new user.

Click on System Menu’s top and select Settings, as shown in the image below.

Then scroll down to Users on the item menu and select.

Next, click Unlock at the top right to edit or create new user accounts.

The Unlock button becomes Add Users. To add a new user, click Add Users and provide the user account details.

Then provide the User’s full name and username and password.

When you add the account details, click Add as shown Above.

How to delete a user on Ubuntu Linux

You can delete a user on Ubuntu Linux using the `deluser` command. To just remove the user account, type `sudo deluser` followed by the username. If you want to remove the user and all their files, use the command `sudo deluser –remove-home` and then the username.

To delete the example user created above, run the commands below:

sudo deluser octopus

sudo deluser --remove-home octopus

Using an Ubuntu desktop, the same can be performed from the User settings window above. Select the user account and click Remove.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Adding or removing users in Ubuntu Linux is a straightforward process, whether using the command line or the desktop interface.
• The adduser command is recommended for creating new users due to its interactive nature.
• It is important to manage user permissions effectively, especially when granting sudo privileges for administrative tasks.
• Deleting a user can be done without affecting their files, or you can choose to remove associated files as well.
• Understanding user management helps maintain security and organization within your Ubuntu system.