How do I rename a user name from 'tom' to 'jerry' under Ubuntu Linux?
You need to use the usermod command. It can modify the system account files (such as /etc/passwd) to reflect the changes that are specified on the command line. The syntax is as follows:
usermod -l {new-login-name} {current-old-login-name}
In this example, rename login id from tom to jerry. Open a command-line terminal (select Applications > Accessories > Terminal), and then type the following command
$ sudo usermod -l jerry tom
To verify new changes, enter:
$ id jerry
You should follow me on twitter here or grab rss feed to keep track of new changes.
Featured Articles:
- 30 Handy Bash Shell Aliases For Linux / Unix / Mac OS X
- Top 30 Nmap Command Examples For Sys/Network Admins
- 25 PHP Security Best Practices For Sys Admins
- 20 Linux System Monitoring Tools Every SysAdmin Should Know
- 20 Linux Server Hardening Security Tips
- Linux: 20 Iptables Examples For New SysAdmins
- Top 20 OpenSSH Server Best Security Practices
- Top 20 Nginx WebServer Best Security Practices
- 20 Examples: Make Sure Unix / Linux Configuration Files Are Free From Syntax Errors
- 15 Greatest Open Source Terminal Applications Of 2012
- My 10 UNIX Command Line Mistakes
- Top 10 Open Source Web-Based Project Management Software
- Top 5 Email Client For Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows Users
- The Novice Guide To Buying A Linux Laptop
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Correct me if I am wrong though, but this does not change the user’s home directory to match the new ID, right?
Try the -m and -d /home/jerry option; the contents of the current home directory will be moved to the new home directory, which is created if it does not already exist:
You may have to take care of secondary group memberhsip too.
Exactly. Be worth updating your original FAQ, no so that the user transformation is complete.