Creating a User Account and Setting a Password on AIX

Use SMIT to create an account for a new user.

Each user account must have a unique UID. If an account already exists on another UNIX* machine, create the new account using the same UID and GID as on the existing system. To display a list of the current users and their UID numbers, refer to "Displaying User Information."


Create User Form

When you create a user account using SMIT, you must supply the following information on the Create User form:

User NAME---the user name for the account.

User ID---the UID that you want to assign to the user.

PRIMARY group---the primary GID you want to assign to the user.

User Information---the user's full name.

HOME Directory---the full path to the user's home directory.

Initial PROGRAM---the full path and name of the shell that executes when the user logs in to the host (usually /bin/csh or /bin/sh).

NOTE: Although this form contains other fields, only those in the preceding list are necessary to create a new user. If you want further information about any of the other fields, highlight the field and press <F1>.


Creating a User Account

Use the following procedure to create a user account.

  1. Start SMIT by entering

    smit <Enter>

  2. From the Main Menu, make the following selections:

    Security and Users
    Users
    Add a User to the System

    The utility displays a form for adding new user information. Use the <Up-arrow> and <Down-arrow> keys to move through the form. Do not use <Enter> until you are finished and ready to exit the screen.

  3. Fill in the appropriate fields of the Create User form (as listed in "Create User Form") and press <Enter>.

    The utility exits the form and creates the new user.

After you create a user, you need to add the user to the appropriate group(s). For instructions on adding a user to a group, see "Adding a Member to a Group."


Setting the New User's Password

Use the following procedure to set a new user's password.

  1. From the SMIT Main Menu, make the following selections:

    Security and Users
    Change User Password

    The utility displays a form for entering the new user's name.

  2. Fill in the user name or use <F4> to highlight a user name and press <Enter>.

    The utility displays the user name that you selected.

  3. Press <Enter> to enter a new password.

    The utility prompts you for the new password.

  4. Type the new password and press <Enter>.

    The system prompts you to reenter the password.

  5. Reenter the password.

    The system assigns the password when you exit the screen.