Toolbox Aid

August 9th, 2024 1:21 PM Mr. Q Categories: Command

Command: userdel

The userdel command is used to delete a user account from the system. This command can remove the user’s home directory and mail spool if specified. It requires superuser (root) privileges.

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Sample Commands and Outputs:

• userdel username: Deletes a user account without removing the home directory. Sample Command and Output:

  $ sudo userdel user1

Description:

• user1: The username of the account to be deleted.
• The user account user1 is removed, but the home directory and files are left intact.
• userdel -r username: Deletes a user account and removes the home directory and mail spool. Sample Command and Output:

  $ sudo userdel -r user1

Description:

• -r: Removes the user’s home directory and mail spool in addition to the user account.
• user1: The username of the account to be deleted.
• userdel -f username: Forcefully deletes a user account, even if the user is currently logged in. Sample Command and Output:

  $ sudo userdel -f user1

Description:

• -f: Forces the removal of the user account, which may include removing processes associated with the user.
• user1: The username of the account to be deleted.
• userdel -r -f username: Forcefully deletes a user account and removes the home directory and mail spool. Sample Command and Output:

  $ sudo userdel -r -f user1

Description:

• -r: Removes the user’s home directory and mail spool.
• -f: Forces the removal of the user account.
• user1: The username of the account to be deleted.

Note: The userdel command is used for removing user accounts and associated files. It is important to be cautious when using this command, especially with options like -f and -r, to avoid accidentally deleting important data.