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Asked: 2024-09-23T16:31:00+05:30 In:

What are the steps to grant a user permissions to execute commands with sudo on an Ubuntu system?

So, I was trying to set up a new user on my Ubuntu system, and it hit me that I need to grant them the ability to run commands with `sudo`. I know this is pretty important, especially since I want them to help out with some admin tasks. However, I’m a bit foggy on the exact steps to get this done without screwing something up.

I mean, from what I remember, there’s that `sudoers` file that you need to edit, right? But what’s the safer way to do that without risking a total disaster? I’ve heard you shouldn’t just open it and start hacking away. There’s a command called `visudo`, which I think is what I should be using, but I don’t want to mess up any syntax and accidentally lock myself out.

Also, what are the permissions really about? Is it simply adding the user’s name to a specific group, or do I actually need to specify individual commands they can run? If it’s the latter, I worry about it getting complicated, especially since I’m not super comfortable with the command line yet.

And just to make things more interesting, what if I want to give different permissions to different users? Like, say one user only needs to restart a service, while another might need full admin access. How do I manage that in the `sudoers` file?

I’ve seen some guides online, but honestly, they can get pretty overwhelming with all the technical lingo. So, what would be the easiest and safest way to grant these permissions? If anyone can break it down into simple steps or share any tips, that would be hugely appreciated! Thanks a lot!

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    2 Answers


    1. To grant a new user the ability to run commands with `sudo` on your Ubuntu system, you should indeed edit the `sudoers` file carefully. The safest way to do this is by using the `visudo` command. This command opens the `sudoers` file in a text editor while also performing syntax checks before saving any changes, which helps prevent misconfiguration that could lock you out of sudo privileges. To add a user to the `sudo` group, run sudo usermod -aG sudo username, replacing username with the actual user’s name. This method grants the user all the usual sudo privileges without needing to explicitly define individual commands they can run, making it simpler for you as a beginner.

      If you need to assign different permissions to different users, you can specify these directly in the `sudoers` file through specific syntax. For example, if you wanted to allow a user to restart a service without giving full sudo access, you could add an entry such as username ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: /usr/sbin/service service_name restart. This line allows that user to run the restart command without a password. Just make sure that each line you add is syntactically correct since errors can disrupt the system’s ability to process sudo requests. The `visudo` command will help here by checking for syntax errors before saving. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust permissions as your users’ needs change over time, so be sure to revisit the `sudoers` file as necessary.




    2. Guide to Granting Sudo Permissions in Ubuntu

      How to Grant Sudo Permissions Safely

      Setting up a new user to run commands with sudo can definitely feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry! Let’s break it down into simple steps.

      1. Use visudo to Edit the sudoers File

      You’re absolutely right about the sudoers file, and using visudo is the safest way to edit it. This way, it checks the syntax before saving, which helps prevent any issues.

      Open your terminal and type:

      sudo visudo

      2. Adding a User to the Sudo Group

      If you want to give a user full admin access (aka, let them use sudo), the easiest way is to add them to the sudo group. This way, they can run any command with sudo without needing special rules.

      You can do this with the following command:

      sudo usermod -aG sudo username

      Just replace username with the actual username of the person you’re adding. Simple, right?

      3. Fine-Tuning Permissions

      If you need to give specific permissions, you can add rules in the sudoers file. For example, if you want someone to only restart a service, you’d add something like:

      username ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: /bin/systemctl restart service_name

      Replace username and service_name with the appropriate values.

      4. Different Permissions for Different Users

      You can absolutely specify different permissions for different users in the sudoers file. Just add a new line for each user with their required commands.

      For example:

      user1 ALL=(ALL) ALL   # Full sudo access
user2 ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: /bin/systemctl restart service_name   # Restart service only

      5. A Few Tips

      • Always use visudo when editing the sudoers file.
      • Be careful with spaces and syntax. Incorrect entries can lead to problems.
      • If you ever mess up, you can access the terminal in recovery mode to fix the sudoers file.

      So, there you go! Just remember, keep it simple at first and only give as much access as needed. Good luck, and happy admin-ing!


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