I just got a dedicated server, and I need to create a new shell user account so I can log into it via FTP. How do I do it? It's a RedHat Linux machine, and I'm logging into it via SSH.

I know this must be pretty simple...please help me if you can! :(

Is it running cpanel?

Originally posted by ebo
Is it running cpanel? Nope, not that I know of... Any way I can find out?

man useradd

the command is either useradd or adduser. I believe it is in /usr/sbin

the syntax is as follows:
adduser john
passwd john (to set his password)

Find someone with some sysadmin experiance to lock down the box...friends are better (eg: free)

One tip: When creating accounts for "ftp" use -- don't give them a real shell, /bin/true is all they need to use FTP.

greetz,
davidu

If I'm not mistaken the adduser will only add a login account and not an FTP account. You'll need to edit your proftpd.conf (or whatever FTP program you use) file and add the newly created user to that file.

A simpler way (should you not want to pay for a control panel) is to download WEBMIN and install that. It's fairly straight forward and works with proftp.

Originally posted by MikeA
If I'm not mistaken the adduser will only add a login account and not an FTP account. You'll need to edit your proftpd.conf (or whatever FTP program you use) file and add the newly created user to that file.


Umm, that's just plain wrong dude.

There are three things that could have happened here:

a) You could know the answer and post it.
b) You could *think* you know the answer and then check the proftpd.conf file realize it has nothing to do with FTP users and then not post an incorrect answer
or c) You could just make something up that "sounds right." even though it isn't.

Please respond correctly or research next time.

thanks,
davidu

You're right, I was totally wrong. I did a test with the adduser and it will let you FTP in. I'll try to exercise a little self restraint when helping people :D

Originally posted by MikeA
You're right, I was totally wrong. I did a test with the adduser and it will let you FTP in. I'll try to exercise a little self restraint when helping people :D

Yeah, I prolly should restrain from verbally flogging people when it's finals week. :) :) :) :)

-davidu

A stupid question from a COMPLETE newbie... - i would say as you are a newbie it would lead you to simple questions.. You must not feel that these are stupid. It's all part of growing up.
The best thing you must start is use a lot of
the following commands - man. info.
Also use google a lot. This really helps.
Another good advice would be to buy a redhat CD and install it at home as your primary OS. This would teach a lot to you... :)
Overtime Linux would become a way of life... You'll love it... :)

Anyway, the answer is already given by all - adduser username
- passwd username

Have a great day :)

regards
amar