useradd and userdel in Linux CLI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the useradd command do in Linux?

The useradd command creates a new user account on the system. It sets up the user's home directory, default shell, and other settings.

beginner

What is the purpose of the userdel command?

The userdel command deletes a user account from the system. It can also remove the user's home directory and files if used with the right options.

intermediate

How do you create a user with a specific home directory using useradd?

Use useradd -d /path/to/home username. The -d option sets the home directory for the new user.

intermediate

What option with userdel removes the user's home directory and mail spool?

The -r option deletes the user's home directory and mail spool along with the user account: userdel -r username.

beginner

Why should you be careful when using userdel -r?

Because it permanently deletes the user's home directory and files. If important data is there, it will be lost. Always back up if needed.

Which command creates a new user account in Linux?

A useradd

B userdel

C usermod

D passwd

useradd is used to create new user accounts.

What does the -r option do with userdel?

A Resets the user password

B Removes the user account only

C Renames the user account

D Removes the user account and home directory

The -r option deletes the user account and the user's home directory.

How do you specify a custom home directory when adding a user?

A useradd -h /home/custom user

B useradd -d /home/custom user

C useradd -m /home/custom user

D useradd --home /home/custom user

The -d option sets the home directory path.

Which command deletes a user account but keeps the home directory?

A userdel username

B userdel -r username

C useradd username

D usermod -d username

userdel username deletes the user but leaves the home directory intact.

What should you do before running userdel -r?

A Nothing, it is safe always

B Change the user's password

C Back up important user files

D Restart the system

Backing up files prevents data loss since -r deletes user files.

Explain how to add a new user with a custom home directory and then delete that user including their files.

Think about the options that control home directory and file removal.

Describe the risks of using userdel -r and how to avoid them.

Consider what happens to user data when deleting accounts.