👤How to Create a New Linux User

Introduction

Running everything as root is dangerous. One typo can wipe the whole system. The fix: make a regular user with sudo access and use that for day-to-day work.

Create the User

1. 1SSH in as root
2. 2Run:

   adduser yourname

1. 1Set a strong password when prompted
2. 2Press Enter through the optional fields (name, room, etc.)

Grant Sudo Access

usermod -aG sudo yourname

Now yourname can run privileged commands with sudo.

Test It

1. 1Log out of root
2. 2SSH back in as the new user:

   ssh yourname@YOUR_VPS_IP

1. 1Run a sudo command:

   sudo apt update

1. 1Type your password, apt runs as root

You're now operating as a regular user with sudo when needed.

Copy Your SSH Key Over

ssh-copy-id yourname@YOUR_VPS_IP

Now you can log in without a password.

Disable Root SSH (Optional but Recommended)

1. 1Edit /etc/ssh/sshd_config
2. 2Change PermitRootLogin yes to PermitRootLogin no
3. 3Reload SSH:

   sudo systemctl reload sshd

Tip: Add your user to the adm group too, that's read access to system logs without sudo.

Warning: Don't disable root login until you've confirmed your sudo user works in a separate SSH session.

Delete a User

sudo deluser --remove-home oldname

Need More Help?

Sudo not working? Make sure the user is in the sudo group with groups yourname. Ping us on Discord.