Permissions issues (devices and files)

True · 01-23-2001, 06:45 PM

I have been reading Running Linux 3rd Ed. and they mention users and groups but they do not mention how to add users to groups from the command line. How is this done?

Is it possible for me to create a dialup group? The members would be able to use the modem.

I using Linux Mandrake 7.2

CragStar · 01-24-2001, 03:21 PM

In Mandrake 7.2 there is a program called DrakConf which can allow you to change the groups that users belong to. You have to open-up DrakConf and click on a button called users.... (I think!). Its the obvious one anyway! Once there you can change the users data and so on

Or are you looking for a termianl, command-line way of doing it?

True · 01-24-2001, 06:24 PM

Yes I was looking for a command line way of doing it. Thank you for the response. I am trying to be like those linux purists that do not use X for administration. I have a loooong way to go :-)

jeremy · 01-24-2001, 06:47 PM

To add someone to a group just edit /etc/group. You would want to make make a line like the following:

Quote:

pppusers:x:44:user1,user2,etc

NOTE: 44 is just an arbitrary GID. Make sure you do not use a number that is already used. You can use the groupadd command to add the group.

Then just group own (chgrp) the modem to pppusers and you should be all set.

True · 01-26-2001, 01:16 PM

Thanks that is what I am looking for. I also found out after some more research that you can specify the group with the "adduser -g". I am not sure of the correct syntax however.