Activate remote account using passwd

[Neil Wilson_1]

I have written a script that adds a user to numerous systems using the useradd command. Does anyone know how to activate these new users without having to log onto each system individually and type passwd ?

[Pete Randall]

Neil,

If you're able to use the "r"commands (rcp, rlogin, etc.) you could just change on one system and the rcp the new passwd file to the other systems. We have a little 'rcopy' script that propagates such changes to all our HP-UX machines.

If you can't use "r" commands you might try looking into NIS.

HTH,
Pete

[Pete Randall]

Sorry - that was supposed to say "and theN rcp"

Damn uncooperative fingers!

Pete

[Steven Sim Kok Leong]

Hi,

I agree with Pete that NIS or NIS+ is the solution by having a central user database and thus saving effort to replicate on each server.

You can use ssh or scp to perform such tasks remotely and securely. However, since you are not using TCB i.e. trusted systems, I gather security is not at the top of your concerns and remsh or rcp should suffice for your needs.

Also remember to create the user home directories with the correct ownership and permissions if you are using your script.

Hope this helps. Regards.

Steven Sim Kok Leong