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Asked: 2024-09-23T17:56:24+05:30 In: ,

What steps should I follow to set up a new user account in Ubuntu?

I’m trying to set up a new user account on my Ubuntu machine but I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. I’ve been using Linux for a while, but I’ve mostly managed with just my own account and didn’t think I’d need to add anyone else. However, since I bought a new laptop and plan to lend it to a friend for a bit, I figured it’s time to create a separate user profile for them.

Now, I don’t want them to mess with my stuff or accidentally delete files or anything like that, so I know I need to set them up with a standard user account rather than giving them admin privileges. Can anyone tell me what steps I should follow to do this?

I’ve seen a bunch of different methods online, but they all seem kind of confusing, and I don’t want to accidentally mess up my settings. Would it be better to do it through the GUI or the terminal? I’ve used the terminal quite a bit, but it still makes me a little nervous when I’m not entirely sure what I’m doing.

Also, do I need to worry about any specific permissions when setting up this new account? Should I set up a home directory for them automatically, or is that something I have to do separately? And once I create this account, can I easily switch between users without restarting the computer? It’d be really helpful to know what to expect after I get it all set up.

I’d appreciate any detailed steps or tips you can share—maybe even some common pitfalls I should watch out for? I want to make this process as smooth as possible for both of us. Thanks in advance for your help!

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    1. Setting Up a New User Account on Ubuntu

      Setting Up a New User Account on Ubuntu

      Creating a new user account on your Ubuntu machine is definitely a good idea, especially when you want to keep your files safe. Let’s break it down step-by-step. You can do this either through the GUI (Graphical User Interface) or the terminal, but since you’re a bit apprehensive about the terminal, I’ll cover both methods so you can choose what feels best for you!

      Method 1: Using the GUI

      1. Open the Settings application from your application menu.
      2. Scroll down to the Users section and click on it.
      3. You should see a button or icon that says Unlock. Click it and enter your password to make changes.
      4. Look for a + (Add) button to create a new user.
      5. When prompted, choose Standard as the account type (this ensures your friend won’t mess with your files or settings).
      6. Fill in the new user’s details (like their name and username), and you can choose whether to set a password now or let them do it later.
      7. After you’ve filled everything out, hit Add or Create.

      Method 2: Using the Terminal

      1. Open the terminal by searching for it in your applications.
      2. To add a new user, type the following command and replace `` with the name you want to give your friend: 
        sudo adduser

      3. You’ll be asked to enter your password and then fill out some details for the new user (like their full name, etc.). Just follow the prompts!
      4. By default, a home directory will be created automatically (usually under /home/) so you don’t have to worry about that.

      Switching Between Users

      Once the new account is created, you can easily switch users without restarting your computer! Just use the System Menu (the top-right corner) and select Log Out, then you can log in as your friend.

      Permissions and Pitfalls

      As long as you set them up as a Standard user, they won’t have permission to change system-wide settings or access your personal files. Just make sure you don’t accidentally set them up as an Admin user.

      Common Pitfalls:

      • If you decide to use the terminal, be careful with commands. Double-check what you type!
      • Don’t forget to set a password for the new user, or they won’t be able to log in properly!
      • Make sure to unlock the user settings in the GUI if you’re using that method.

      After you’ve done this, you should be all set! Don’t worry too much—if you run into any issues, you can always ask for help. Enjoy sharing your laptop with your friend!



    2. To create a new standard user account on your Ubuntu machine, you can use either the GUI or the terminal, but if you’re comfortable with the terminal, it will allow for more control and precision. First, open a terminal and use the command sudo adduser username, replacing username with your friend’s desired username. This command will create the new account, automatically set up a home directory for them, and prompt you to set a password and fill in some optional information. Since you want a standard user account, ensure that you do not use the sudo option when adding the user, as that would grant them administrative privileges. After creating the account, you can verify it by checking the contents of the /home directory to see if a new folder with the username was created.

      Once the user account is set up, switching between users is straightforward and does not require a restart. You can use the gnome-session command or simply click on the top right corner of your desktop and select “Log out”; from there, you can select your new user’s account and log in. Regarding permissions, the standard user will only have access to their home directory and will not be able to modify system files, which protects your files. A common pitfall is forgetting to assign a password; without it, the new account won’t be usable. Additionally, if you want to restrict any file access specifically, you can modify permissions using the chmod command in the terminal after the account is created. Following these steps should ensure a smooth experience for both you and your friend during their usage of your system.


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