topic Username limitations in Operating System - Linux

Username limitations

Frederick Maulion — Sat, 10 Nov 2001 00:35:11 GMT

Does usernames in Linux (specifically Mandrake 8.1) have to start with letters? I tried creating them with numbers but Linux doesn't accept the usernames.

Re: Username limitations

Marco Paganini — Sat, 10 Nov 2001 04:56:52 GMT

Hello Frederick,

I've checked the source code for useradd.c and you're right. Usernames and Groupnames cannot start with a digit (they MUST start with a letter). Also, they may not contains colons, commas, newlines or any non-printable characters.

Hope it helps,
Paga

Re: Username limitations

Frederick Maulion — Sat, 10 Nov 2001 06:08:40 GMT

Thanks, Paga.

Just wanted confirmation.

Frederick